Press Release - African Union

AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia P. O. Box 3243 Telephone: +251 11 551 7700 / +251 11 551 45 55/ Ext 1017 - Fax:
+251 11 5511299
Website: www. au.int
DIRECTORATE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
Press Release Nº234/2013
AFRICAN UNION PARTNERS SOUTH SUDAN TO MARK WORLD AIDS
DAY
Juba, South Sudan 2 December 2013The African Union’s commemoration’s for
World AIDS Day (WAD) on December 1st
and second were centered in the South
Sudanese capital Juba, where the AU
Commission
partnered
with
the
Government of South Sudan to host the
event.
The commemorations remembered those
who have died from AIDS and those living
with HIV and AIDS and also provided
introspection as to the factors that
contribute to the spread of the virus and
how African people can protect themselves
against it. The day was a reminder that
those infected and affected require support
and solidarity, that everyone is at risk and
that efforts towards prevention of new
infections must be sustained.
This year’s commemorations were held
under the theme “Getting to zero- Africa’s
responsibility, everyone’s responsibility”.
The thrust of this theme is anchored on the need for shared responsibility by Africans
and global responsibility from the international community to deliver on the major
commitments it has made to HIV/AIDS and related infectious diseases in Africa.
African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs Dr Mustapha Kaloko addressed the
thousands gathered at the John Garang stadium in Juba, which was packed with South
Sudanese from all walks of life, including the uniformed forces, media, people living with
HIV/AIDS, youths, government officials, civil society organisations, and religious
leaders. He commended the progress that has
been made so far as concerns research, access
to prevention, life-saving and more affordable
treatment, care and support.
But he also warned against complacency. “We
should be more vigilant to improve our
performance, reduce chances of new infections
and ensure universal access to HIV/AIDS
services. Complacency can only have more dire
consequences”.
The Chairperson of the South Sudan AIDS
Commission Dr Esterina Novello announced at
the event that her Commission has developed a
five year strategic plan that provides clear vision
and direction to adequately respond to HIV, TB
prevention, treatment and care as well as
community support systems. The number of
people accessing HIV treatment and care
services in South Sudan has increased from
3350 and 8000 in 2012 to 6746 and 14613 in
2013 respectively. But the national aim is to provide 80 percent of people living with
HIV/AIDS with treatment by 2017.
Africa continues to face many challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Not only does it
carry the greatest burden of HIV/AIDS, but it also has low access to sexual reproductive
health services. Up to two thirds of people living with HIV/AIDS are in Africa. Civil wars
and conflicts stimulate forced migration, leading to increased vulnerability and
susceptibility to diseases and morbidity. As in many sectors, women and girls continue
to bear the brunt of the infections. As pointed out by Dr Esterina Novello, the low level of
literacy among women and girls in South
Sudan is one of the factors contributing to
high levels of prevalence among them.
The commemorations featured among
others, march pasts by members of the
South Sudanese uniformed forces, people
living with HIV/AIDS and other groups.
Entertainment was provided by the South
Sudanese musician Emmanuel Kembe.
Other speakers to address the gathering
were the Minister of Health Dr Riek Gai, the
Deputy Governor of Equatorial State in which Juba is located, UNAIDS representative
Mrs Rosemary Museminali, and the representative of people living with HIV/AIDS Mr
Lole Laila Lole.
For further information contact
Mrs Wynne Musabayana I Deputy Head of Communication and Information | African Union Commission I
E-mail: [email protected] | Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
Tawanda Chisango I AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) Programme Advocacy & Partnership Expert | Social
Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile +251934167052 | E-mail: [email protected] |
Web www.au.int I www.aidswatchafrica.org Addis Ababa | Ethiopia
About the African Union
African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union
Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. The AU Vision is that of a
prosperous, integrated, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force
in global arena.
Learn more at: http://www.au.int