Events & Activities

Event

African Union Expert Consultation Meeting on Children and Social Protection in A

28 April 2014

PRESS RELEASE

Building an African social protection agenda for children

African Union expert meeting highlights the need to translate commitments to action

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, 30 April 2014 – Africa needs to do more to translate its commitments to social protection into practical programmes that reach the poorest and most marginalized children, participants said today at the conclusion of the African Union Expert Consultation Meeting on Children and Social Protection.

Social protection is widely considered a critical investment for children, particularly in helping families and children to overcome financial and social barriers. From the 2004 Ouagadougou Declaration to the 2008 African Union Social Policy Framework, African Union Member States have all made political commitments to social protection. A decade later, social protection schemes are expanding across the continent: almost every country in Eastern and Southern Africa has developed a social protection policy, and an increasing number of countries in West, Central and North Africa are embarking on similar exercises. Despite this, challenges are immense. Millions of African children continue to live in poverty and are yet to benefit from the continent’s economic growth.

During the three-day consultation, entitled Children and Social Protection Systems: Building the African Agenda, 78 government representatives and social protection experts from 40 African Union Member States discussed the current state of social protection in Africa. They looked at existing evidence on impacts and key lessons learned, and presented recommendations to help countries develop and strengthen their social protection systems.

Some of the recommendations include: ensuring a minimum social protection package in every country; developing social budgets that reflect on a country’s growth and expenditure; institutionalizing social protection measures in national policy, legislation and development plans; and committing a share of GDP to social protection, while ensuring social spending is shielded in times of crises and budgetary austerity.

The Expert Consultation found that there is plenty of evidence to demonstrate that social protection can and does work in Africa. The Child Support Grant of South Africa is just one such example. First introduced in 1998, the grant has become the country’s largest social assistance programme, reaching over 11 million vulnerable children with US$28 per child per month. A recent South African Child Support Grant Impact Assessment shows that the grant has not only made a positive impact on poverty reduction, but helped break cycles of poverty.

Against a robust body of positive evidence however, social protection systems in many countries are still challenged by fragmentation, low coverage, and limited linkages with other services. Overall spending remains low in comparison with the rest of the world. The estimated cost of a social cash transfer programme, for example, ranges from just 0.1 to 2 percent of GDP for most countries. For countries such as Eritrea, Liberia, Burundi, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo the cost of the cash transfer ranges between 2.3 and 4.5 percent of GDP.

The participants also called for increased involvement by the African Union and development partners in the social protection arena, asking them to put social protection for children high on their development agenda. Their recommendations will be presented for consideration during the African Union Conference of Ministers of Social Development, which will be held from 26 to 30 May 2014, in Addis Abba, Ethiopia.

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For more information, please contact:

Wynne Musabayana

Deputy Head of Communication

Dept of Information/AU Commission

Email:musabayanaw@africa-union.org +27767872536 Lumka Oliphant

Spokesperson

Minister of Social Development RSA

Email: lumkao@dsd.gov.za

Tel : +27 83 484 8067 Anthony Mwangi

Public Affairs Manager

UNICEF Liaison office to the AU/ECA

Email: amwangi@unicef.org

Suzanne Beukes

Communications Officer

UNICEF Africa Services Unit

Email: smbeukes@unicef.org

Tel: +27 79 495 5935

Event

World Malaria Day: “Invest in the future. Defeat malaria”.

25 April 2014

PRESS RELEASE Nº078/2014

World Malaria Day: “Invest in the future. Defeat malaria”.

Addis Ababa, 25th April 2014- The African Union (AU) joins the international community in celebrating the World Malaria Day under the theme "Invest in the future. Defeat malaria". The theme continues to reflect the renewed call for the urgent need for more resources continentally and globally to eliminate malaria.

Substantial progress has been made in Africa but efforts need to be sustained

The commemorations come at a time when progress in responding to malaria in Africa includes a 49% decline in malaria mortality rates and a reduction of Malaria mortality rates among children in by 54% since 2000. However Africa continues to account for 85% of malaria cases and 90% of malaria deaths worldwide. Malaria still kills an estimated 627 000 people every year, most deaths occur among children living in Africa where a child dies every minute from malaria.

Increased political commitment and expanded funding have helped to reduce malaria incidence by 31% in Africa. The intensification of efforts already undertaken to prevent malaria, including universal coverage of bed nets, is estimated to save the lives of up to three million African children by 2015; hence the importance of continuing efforts and mobilising more resources for the fight against malaria.

“As we project into the future of malaria elimination, we must drive the big push to end malaria through innovative domestic financing models to improve access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malaria as well as research” said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, African Union Commissioner for Social Affairs. “We cannot and should not continue to rely on external funding for health. The experience of the last few years has shown that external funding is neither predictable nor assured.” He added.

Why do we need a big push in our fight against malaria?

The big push is needed for three reasons (1) recent economic crises have left an estimated annual funding gap of US $3 billion, with an immediate gap of US $3.6 billion through 2015 in Africa alone that threatens to unravel the gains made against this preventable and treatable disease (2) malaria causes out-of-pocket expenditure for households and loss of productivity to the economy resulting in massive losses to economic growth, with an estimated cost of US$ 12 billion each year in lost productivity in Africa alone and (3) new data suggests that for every US $1 invested in malaria in Africa, an estimated US $40 GDP is generated in return.

As much of the continent expands at unprecedented rates, enormous leadership and political will continue to play an increasingly critical role through both international and domestic financing as the continent works to overcome pressing global health challenges, like malaria, and into a more prosperous and sustainable future. The African Union, in its support and advocacy agenda against Malaria has dedicated various initiatives and programs including: the AIDS Watch Africa and the Africa Malaria Elimination Campaign among others. It has also joined its efforts with the partners and other stakeholders during the 5th inter- Agency Meeting on Coordination and Harmonization of HIV/AIDs, TB and Malaria Strategies aimed at boosting the response to the fight against these diseases.

The African Union Commission Strategic Plan for 2014-2017, 2013 Abuja Declaration, the AU Roadmap and the African Union Common Position on the Post 2015 Development Agenda all provide a solid framework to ensure ownership including increase domestic financing while still providing a framework for the continued importance of development cooperation.

For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org

For further information contact

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/

Event

Special Session of the Labour and Social Affairs Commission of the African Unio

23 April 2014

Press Release No. 083/2014

As Plans for Ougadougou Plus 10 Gather Pace- African Ministers Meet to Prepare Policies to Ensure Employment, Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Development

Windhoek, Namibia 25 April 2014-In September 2014, Heads of State and Government of the African Union will meet at an extra ordinary session in Burkina Faso, to find ways to accelerate job creation on the continent, in particular for youth and women. Their meeting will take place ten years after 2004 Ouagadougou summit, which came up with the Ouagadougou Declaration and Plan of Action on Employment and Poverty Alleviation.That historic summit highlighted the need to place employment at the center of all national plans for social and economic development of Africa. The Heads of State and Government agreed to take action to reverse the trends of pervasive poverty, unemployment and under employment and to bring material improvement to the lives of the African people.

Ten years after the Ouagadougou summit, the responsible ministers from African Union member states are meeting today in Windhoek under the aegis of the African Union Labour and Social Affairs Commission (LSAC) to prepare for the forthcoming extra ordinary summit, which will be held under the theme “Employment, Poverty Eradication and Inclusive Development” and will be titled Ougaplus10.They are undertaking a comprehensive assessment of ten years of implementation of the 2004 declaration and action plan,so as to take stock of achievements and challenges faced, as well as propose concrete actions to be taken in the next decade to create decent employment, and accelerate poverty eradication, in order to ensure inclusive development.

“In doing so, we must admit that progress has been slow. Despite encouraging and sustained economic growth rates in some of our countries and efforts by AU member states over the past decade, growth did not, unfortunately, translate into the desired job creation. Unemployment, and in particular youth unemployment, remains high and at unacceptable levels in many African countries, including Namibia”, said Namibian President Mr Hifikipunye Pohamba when he officially opened the LSAC today.

Some of the challenges facing Africa in these efforts include low productivity performance, weakness of the labour market institutions, unemployment and under employment, structural constraints, HIV and AIDS at the workplace, skills capacity, policy coordination, monitoring and evaluation, lack of social protection and unequal opportunities for the marginalized and vulnerable groups.

The ministers’ recommendations for the September summit will be prepared based on the six key policy areasto be debated in Ouagadougou. The policy issues areyouth and women employment; social protection and inclusive growth, informal economy, social economy and rural employment; productivity, competitiveness and social dialogue; labour market governance; labour migration and regional economic integration; and partnership and funding for implementation of employment policies.

“Our task as labour ministers, working with social and cooperating partners, is to put in place a comprehensive and implementable plan of action on employment, poverty eradication and inclusive developmentto deliver decent jobs; to the youth and women in particular”, observed the Vice Chairperson of the Bureau of the LSAC Honourable Nicholas Goche.Ministers are also expected to come up with a follow up mechanism to assess, evaluate and quantify progress made in the implementation of the declaration and plan of action.

“The fact that we are here (in Windhoek) and heading towards the extra ordinary summit suggests that we are determined to re-examine ourselves, our methodology and our strategy to eradicate poverty, in order to ensure a better standard of living for our people”, said AU Commissioner for Social Affairs Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko.

Based on the re-examination and the increased commitment to employment creation, poverty eradication and inclusive development, the LSAC meeting has identified the importance of better focus on the implementation of policies anchored in wider stakeholder buy in.

“A joint multi-lateral initiative with a strong buy in from all partners will allow for greater accountability, sharing of responsibilities and a stronger dynamic for implementation by each member state, of the declaration and plan of action to be adopted in Ouagadougou in September- a declaration and plan of action that must be clearly embedded within the post 2015 development agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 206”, said Mr. Aeneas Chuma, the International Labour Organisation’s Assistant Director General and Regional Director for Africa.

AU Commissioner for Social Affairs Dr Kaloko proposed measurable outcomes that could be considered as indicators of success, going forward.These include the reduction by 2% per year, of youth and women unemployment rate;ensuring at least 10% per year of social protection coverage for the informal economy and rural workers;and increased budget allocation to employment programmes and policies. He called upon the ILO to lead the engagement of the international partners in implementing the Ouga+10 policy instruments and the four-year implementing programmes over the decade”.WZM

Media contact

African Union Commission | Mrs. Wynne Musabayana | MusabayanaW@africa-union.org

Government of Namibia | Mr. Paulus Ashipala |pashipala@mol.gov.na

African Union

The 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 an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en

Event

First African Ministers of Health Conference Jointly Convened by the African Uni

14 April 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

FIRST AFRICAN MINISTERS OF HEALTH CONFERENCE JOINTLY CONVENED BY THE AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION AND THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

INVITATION TO THE MEDIA

When: 14 – 17 April 2014

Where: Luanda, Republic of Angola

Who: African Union Commission (AUC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

OBJECTIVES : The key objective of the meeting is to provide an important forum for Member States, UN Agencies, Development Partners and other Stakeholders to discuss, among other the followings;

i. Universal Health Coverage in Africa: from concept to action;

ii. African Medicines Agency: setting milestones to establish a centralized regulatory system for medical products;

iii. Non-communicable diseases in Africa: policies and strategies to address risk factors;

iv. Prevention of maternal and child mortality: review of the plan of action;

v. Establishment of an African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention;

vi. Accountability mechanisms to assess the implementation of declarations and other commitments made by African Ministers of Health.

Participants: African Ministers in charge of health, development actors, private sector, NGOs and UN agencies will attend the meeting

Background:

Throughout their many years of partnership, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have continuously explored ways to reinforce their collaboration and with theaim of obtaining better growth and development outcomesfor populations across Africa.

Guided by their respective legal and political instruments, and in the scope of their collaboration agreement, the two institutions decided to jointly organize biannual meetings of African Ministers of Health. These meetings should create opportunities for deliberation and decision-making on the critical health issues thataffect populations inAfrican countries, and on which political and public health authorities are requested to intervene in a strategic and efficient manner.

The need and desire by African countries was reinforced at the 6th Ordinary Session of the African Union Conference of Ministers of Health held in Addis Ababa in April 2013 and was also reiterated by the 22nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Heads of State and Government Summitheld in Addis Ababa January 2014.

For media inquiries and requests please contact:

Esther Tankou Azaa, AUC

email: YambouE@africa-union.org

Wurie Bah, AUC

email:bahw@africa-union.org

Collins Boakye-Agyemang, Communication Manager, WHO/AFRO

email: boakyeagyemangc@who.int

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Event

23rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welf

7 April 2014

PRESS RELEASE

23rd Ordinary Session of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare Of The Child, 07 - 16 April, 2014,

African Union Conference Centre

Addis Ababa, 31 March, 2014. - The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) would like to inform the media and the general public, that its 23rd Ordinary Session will take place from 07 - 16 April, 2014, at the African Union Commission New Conference Centre, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Examination of State Party and Civil society complementary reports on the implementation of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC) will be at the heart of this Session. Reporting under the African children Charter is crucial to the Committee of Experts as it enable the effective monitoring of the implementation of the Charter, and the Committee of Experts can then issue recommendations to State Parties on legislative and other measures to be adopted for the full realization of children rights and welfare in Africa. Moreover, reporting under the Charter is mandatory for State parties. Communications received against State Parties as well as investigation requests will also be considered by the Committee during this Session. In addition, a Day of General Discussion will be held on 11 April, 2014 will specifically address the issue of child marriage.

Interpretation of the provisions of the Charter being one of its mandate, a General Comment on article 6 (Name and Nationality) of the ACRWC will be adopted and State parties as well as other relevant stakeholders are called upon to assist in its operationalization on the ground. The right to birth registration is provided for under Article 6 (2) of the African Children’s Charter. Despite its heading, Article 6 recognizes three interlinked rights namely the right to a name (Art 6 (1)), the right to birth registration (Art 6 (2)) and the right to a nationality (Art 6 (3)). This General Comment will give the meaning and scope of these rights and explain the corresponding obligations of the States parties to the Charter for their implementation. The development of a General Comment in collaboration with the African Commission of Human and Peoples' Rights (ACmHPR) will equally be discussed during this Session. This synergizing of work between ACERWC and other AU Organs with Human Rights mandate, has been recently furthered by a collaboration meeting with the AU Peace and Security.

The ACERWC was established in virtue of article 32 of the ACRWC with a mandate to promote and protect the rights enshrined in the Charter. The African Children's Charter was adopted by the Head of States of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU), on July 1st, 1990, and came into force on November 29, 1999.

Media are invited to attend this event.

For further information, please contact:

Mrs. CISSE Mariama Mohamed

Coordinator ACERWC Secretariat

CISSEM@africa-union.org

Mr. Ayalew Getachew Assefa

Child Rights Legal Researcher, ACERWC Secretariat

Ayalewg@africa-union.org

Mr. Kameni Ngankam Y.G.

Communication Officer, ACERWC Secretariat

KameniY@africa-union.org

Event

World Health Day 2014

7 April 2014

Now is the time to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases in Africa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 07 April 2014- The African Union joins the world in commemorating the World Health Day with a renewed call for African countries and partners to prioritise action to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases. The World Health Day in Africa is being celebrated under the theme Now is the time to control and eliminate vector-borne diseases in Africa which resonates with calls for urgent action and aligns with the global campaign theme ‘Vector-borne diseases – small bite, big threat’ which is an urgent reminder for various players of the impact of vector borne diseases Africa’s health and development agenda.

“The African Union Commission urges its Member States to accelerate the implementation of the Continental Framework on Neglected Tropical Diseases” said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union Commission. “I urge our partners to join us in the fight against neglected tropical diseases by committing the needed resources to successfully control and eliminate these diseases” he added.

The African Union at the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government adopted and committed to the implementation of the continental framework on the control and elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Africa by 2020. Africa continues to bear the largest burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) with about half of the global cases present on the continent. Forty-seven countries in the region are endemic to at least one NTD while thirty-seven of them are co-endemic for at least five of these diseases.

Political commitment to control NTDs on the increase

However despite major challenges, sustained political commitment towards the control and elimination of NTDs in Africa is taking shape. This includes the endorsement of the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases by global leaders, pharmaceutical chief executives and global health organisations. The World Health Assembly has adopted resolutions on NTDs and on the continent the ministers of health of Member States have expressed their commitment to control NTDs and subsequently a global roadmap to control these diseases was developed.

In June 2012 the Accra Urgent Call to Action on NTDs was endorsed by various stakeholders. The call urges Member States to accelerate efforts to eliminate targeted NTDs on the continent. Thirty African countries have as a result of these efforts developed national, multi-year integrated NTDs control and elimination plans. The African Union Commission has continued to advocate for key interventions targeted at ending NTDs in Africa. During the Conference of Africa Ministers of Health the Continental Framework for the Control and Elimination of the NTDs in Africa by 2020 was adopted. Most recently in 2013 in Brazzaville a consultative meeting further expressed the need to accelerate the elimination of NTDs in the region.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are a group of chronic parasitic, viral and bacterial infections whose biggest impact is felt in Africa. Collectively these diseases cause death and disability; mostly in Africa South of Sahara and are a major driver of poverty and underdevelopment. Currently the focus is on 17 major neglected tropical diseases. In recent years NTDs have been on rise affecting the poorest and marginalised people in Africa and particularly over burdening women and girls; shaking communities’ stability and productivity. NTDs have also continued to inhibit the progress towards realising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in endemic countries in Africa.

For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org

For further information contact

Dr Djoudalbaye Benjamin I Senior Health Officer HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria & OID | Social Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile 251 912 927 834 | E-mail: BenjaminD@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I www.aidswatchafrica.org I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peacewith itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable,efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/

Event

High Level Panel Discussion - "Towards Eliminating Child Stunting For Inclusive

28 March 2014

MEDIA ADVISORY

High Level Panel Discussion

‘TOWARDS ELIMINATING CHILD STUNTING FOR INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA’

WHAT: High-Level Panel Discussion “Towards Eliminating Child Stunting for Inclusive and Sustainable Development in Africa”. The event is open to media throughout.

The first report on the Cost of Hunger in Africa study including results from Egypt, Ethiopia, Swaziland and Uganda and jointly produced by the AUC, ECA and the WFP, will also be launched during the high level event.

The meeting will end with a Press Conference on the Cost of Hunger in Africa Study.

WHEN: 28 March 2014 from 11:00 am to 01:00 pm

WHERE: The Transcorp Hilton, Abuja at the Anambra Meeting room.

WHO: The meeting is organized by the African Union Commission, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development; the Economic Commission for Africa; and the United Nations World Food Programme. It will be attended by finance ministers, agriculture ministers, development actors, private sector, NGOs and UN agencies concerned with eradicating child stunting in Africa.

Key speakers will be:

1. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Minister of Finance, Nigeria

2. Mr. Matia Kasaija: Minister of Finance, Uganda

3. Dr. Carlos Lopes: UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)

4. Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko: Commissioner for Social Affairs, African Union Commission

5. Mr. Manoj Juneja: Assistant Executive Director, United Nations World Food Programme (WFP)

6. Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki: Chief Executive Officer, NEPAD Agency

7. Mr. Michael Anderson: Chief Executive Officer, The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)

8. Mrs. Jasmine Whitbread: Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children

Dr. Carlos Lopes, Dr. Mustapha S. Kaloko and Mr. Manoj Juneja will be available to take questions from the media.

WHY: A key objective of the discussion is to continue to rally high-level political resolve, leadership and commitment among African and international leaders on decisive policies and programmes to eradicate stunting.

The discussion will also brainstorm ways to support African countries and their governments to prioritize a coordinated approach to child nutrition.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES:

(i) Results of the Cost of Hunger in Africa study widely disseminated through the media; (ii) Build common understanding on eliminating stunting in Africa where greater coherence offers significant benefits; (iii) Reaffirm national, regional and global stakeholders’ commitment towards eliminating Stunting in Africa; (iv) Identify areas where collective action can generate enabling environments conducive to nutrition security.

BACKGROUND:

Nutrition is the foundation of survival and health, as well as national economic growth and development. Yet, commitments shown and actions taken by political leaders and policy makers are limited and further hampered by the inadequacy of credible data on the economic consequences of child under nutrition. Therefore, strong evidence was required to make a case for prioritizing investments in child nutrition. It was against this background that, in March 2012, the African Union Commission put forth for consideration to African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Cost of Hunger in Africa (COHA) study, an initiative that seeks to highlight the implications of child stunting on the social and economic transformation of the continent.

The study aims to estimate the level of costs to the national economy as a result of child under nutrition and the potential gains in economic return if appropriate and effective interventions in nutrition are to be made. In addition, the study, bridges the gap in the narrative towards Africa’s social and economic transformation. The Ministers issued a formal statement (Declaration 898) confirming the importance of the study and recommending it to continue beyond the initial stage.

Within the framework of the implementation of Declaration 898, on COHA, the African Union Commission, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)/ NPCA, WFP and ECA are organizing a side event at the margins of the Joint AU and ECA Conference of African Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning, which is expected to assess the progress, deliberate on next steps, and call on the Ministers of Finance and Economic Planning as well as key national, regional and global stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment towards eliminating Stunting in Africa.

For media inquiries and requests contact:

Mrs Wynne Musabayana on MusabayanaW@africa-union.org

Mrs. Sophia Nesri on sophia.nesri@wfp.org

For further information contact

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www.wfp.org

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Event

The Parliamentary Roundtable: Building Partnerships and Capacity among National,

25 March 2014

Members of parliament set concrete actions to accelerate implementation of continental commitments

Johannesburg, South Africa 26 March 2014- Members of the Pan African Parliament, regional and national legislative assemblies committed to accelerate action to advocate for the domestication and monitoring of the implementation of continental commitments on AIDS, TB and Malaria, including the African Union Roadmap on Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity (2012-2015). The African Union Roadmap seeks to ensure more diversified, balanced and sustainable financing, promote access to affordable and quality assured drugs and enhance leadership, governance and oversight of the responses to the three diseases on the continent.

“The lack of adequate coordination and follow-up mechanism on the implementation of the AU policy frameworks by various stakeholders is one of the factors inhibiting ownership and the effectiveness” said Dr Mustapha S. Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs at the African Union Commission, “We rely on you, Honourable Members, to use your parliamentary platforms at the national, regional and continental levels for advocacy, domestication, oversight and accountability on issues on the health agenda” he added.

Monitoring the implementation of the AU Roadmap and other continental commitments

Parliamentarians committed to ensure that AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria epidemics remain key priorities in the national, continental and global agenda beyond 2015.

“We, Pan-African Parliamentarians, commit to give priority to AIDS, TB and Malaria in the post-2015 development agenda, and improving human rights protection and promotion of people living with HIV and key populations” said Dr Bala Saratou – Boukari Sabo Chair of the Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs at the Pan-African Parliament.

Domestic Financing for Health – finding pathways for AIDS, TB and Malaria funding

In order to promote increased domestic financing, Members of Parliament will advocate for the development of financial sustainability plans for health, national investment cases for health, mapping existing resources for health and identify gaps.

“We are coming up with great recommendations but more important is the need to translate these into action and implementation to improve the welfare of our constituents,” said Hon. Blessing Chebundo Chairperson of the Network of African Parliamentary Committees on Health.

Leadership on health-related human rights & social justice

Legislators further committed to develop annual advocacy and oversight action plans by the Health Committees at national and regional levels and convey an annual meeting of Ministries of Finance and Economic Planning, Trade and Industry, Legal Affairs and parliamentarians to promote social protection and human rights.

Access to health

Members of Parliament committed to advocate for the strengthening of new regulatory systems to facilitate access to affordable, quality assured drugs, adopt model law on medicines regulation so as to harmonise implementation within the RECs and Member States.

The meeting was attended by Members of Parliament from the continent representing national, regional and the Pan-African parliaments; representatives from the African Union Commission, NEPAD Coordination Agency, the African Peer Review Mechanism, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNAIDS, UNIDO, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and the Africa Civil Society Organisations.

For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org

For further information contact

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/

Event

Africa’s responsibility to reach everyone in need of a TB test, treatment and cu

24 March 2014

Africa’s responsibility to reach everyone in need of a TB test, treatment and cure

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 24 March 2014- As Africa celebrates World TB Day with the rest of the world it is the only region in the world which is not on track to achieve a 50% reduction in TB mortality by 2015. The continent still accounts for 24% of the world’s TB cases, and is home to nearly 80% of TB cases among people living with HIV. The high TB burden in Africa is linked to poverty, TB/HIV co-infection and multidrug-resistant TB. However the picture of the epidemic is shifting positively with Africa’s TB treatment success rate reaching 82% in 2012. The previously increasing incidence of TB has been halted and a decline observed as a result of several years of intensive implementation of sustained efforts including TB/HIV collaborative activities. The time to respond decisively to TB is now.

“The reasons for acting now are compelling. Every US$ 1 spent on TB generates US$ 30 through improved health and increased productivity” said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs at the African Union Commission, “ Fighting TB is a prerequisite for fostering economic growth, ending poverty and improving livelihoods” he added.

While we are the closest we have ever been in defeating TB forever we are facing a major funding crisis, which calls for both, accelerated innovative domestic financing, global support and immediate action to integrate TB and HIV services in African countries. This will lead to substantial cost-savings and improved health and economic outcomes.

The successive Abuja Declarations which were renewed at the 2013 Abuja +12 Special Summit on AIDS, TB and Malaria by our Africa leaders demonstrate high level commitments that need to be translated into action. The African Union Roadmap on Shared responsibility and Global Solidarity for AIDS, TB and Malaria provide the framework to translate these commitments through a well-defined development cooperation framework that is not only African sourced but results based.

“The leadership of the Africa Union and its member states has been critical to progress made in the joint fight against tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. On World TB Day 2014, we stand united in the goal to achieve zero deaths from TB in our lifetime. Let us put an end to this epidemic and reach every person in need of treatment”, said Dr Lucica Ditiu, Executive Secretary of the Stop TB Partnership.

Africa continues to face a major challenge of multi-drug resistant TB with only one in every five (19%) people affected knowing their status. Six out of the eleven high burden countries, which are not on track to reach one or more targets for reduction in TB incidence, prevalence and mortality, are in Africa. However the impressive progress achieved over the last five decades shows that TB can be stopped with strong political will and adequate financial resources. Additionally new tools are now available with which to accelerate progress.

This year the African Union Commission joins the whole world in commemorating the World TB Day under the theme Africa’s responsibility to reach everyone in need of a TB test, treatment and cure. This theme resonates with the global efforts to find, treat and cure three million people and accelerate progress towards zero TB deaths, zero infections and zero stigma. The theme is a renewed call for Africa to increase domestic financing for TB. On average African governments contribute 30% of their national TB budgets, whereas in the rest of the world governments contribute 70% on average. To reach everyone in need of treatment, care and cure we need to increase the domestic investments.

For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org

For further information contact

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/

Event

Partners harmonise AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria strategies for Africa

7 March 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Partners harmonise AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria strategies for Africa

Brazzaville, Congo 7 March 2014-With the deadline of the Millennium Development Goals fast approaching over 60 partners from the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, UN organisations and development partners met in Brazzaville, Congo Wednesday through Friday to streamline harmonisation and coordination of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria responses.

“In the context of inadequate resources to respond to AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria effective coordination at national, regional, continental and global levels remains fundamental in ensuring effective, efficient and responsive disease interventions”,said Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs of the African Union Commission

The need for more effective coordination and efficient use of resources at continental and regional levels has become even more pressing as Regional Economic Communities and the African Union are expected to provide more proactive leadership to sustain the gains and strengthen health service delivery. Stronger and more effective cooperation between the African Union Commission and Regional Economic Communities and countries is vital for realising Africa’s commitment to the African Roadmap for Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity for AIDS, TB and Malaria (2012-2015) and related continental commitments.

“Doing more requires strengthening national health systems, which is a prerequisite for universal health coverage. A functional health system must be able to reach every person in every community with quality health services wherever and whenever needed irrespective of social status and disposable income of individuals and families”, said Dr. Luis G. Sambo, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
Over a decade of progress in the fight against AIDS, TB and malaria

While significant challenges remain unprecedented progress has been made in responding to AIDS, TB and malaria. By the end of 2012, more than 7.5 million eligible people were receiving antiretroviral therapy. This represented coverage of 68%. Ten countries had reached the universal access coverage of more than 80%, based on the 2010 WHO ARV Guidelines. There has also been an overall decline of 37% in the number of new HIV infections among children between 2009 and 2012. The uptake of ARV for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV has improved substantially with 63% of pregnant women living with HIV in the region receiving ARVs in 2012, an increase from 34% in 2009. Twelve countries have PMTCT ARV coverage rates of 80% or more, with five of them having reached the 2015 target of 90%.

The TB treatment success rate has continued to improve reaching 82% in 2012. The previously increasing incidence of TB has been halted and a decline observed as a result of several years of intensive implementation of the Stop TB strategy and the strengthening of TB/HIV collaborative activities. Over 75% of TB patients in the high HIV endemic countries of the Eastern and Southern Africa sub-region were tested for HIV and nearly half accessed ARVs in 2012.

The malaria burden in countries has been considerably reduced. Eleven countries with on-going malaria transmission have achieved reductions in malaria incidence of at least 50%. Between 2001 and 2012, an estimated 337 million malaria cases and 3 million deaths were averted in the African Region.

Next steps for the Abuja Call
Partners recommended among others the need to participate in the processes to position AIDS, TB and malaria prominently in the post 2015 development agenda; prioritising investments for AIDS, TB and malaria responses in Nigeria and DRC which have the major disease burden and supporting the development of investment cases and economic arguments for increased domestic and international investment in AIDS, TB and malaria including consideration of counterpart funding as a viable option.

Implementation of the Action Plan for Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS in Conflict and Post Conflicts Settings in Africa
Partners also pledged to prioritise the prevention of violence and gender- based violence and include it in the national action plan with targets; develop in country capacity for violence prevention and strengthen integrated health system approach for violence and HIV prevention in women and girls.
Access the full set of recommendations here.

[End Statement]

For more information, visit http://www.africa-union.org, www.aidswatchafrica.org

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Event

5th Inter-Agency Meeting on Coordination and Harmonization of HIV/AIDS, TB and M

5 March 2014

5th INTER-AGENCY MEETING ON COORDINATION

AND HARMONIZATION OF HIV/AIDS, TB AND

MALARIA STRATEGIES

BRAZZAVILLE, CONGO

5-7 MARCH 2014

DRAFT CONCEPT NOTE

Theme “Taking Stock of Africa’s Achievements, Challenges and Directions in Responding to AIDS, TB and Malaria”

I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

1. The work and efforts of continental and regional institutions needs to be coordinated in order to effectively support Member States to follow-up on commitments and to adequately address challenges in HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria programmes. Development Partners and the United Nations, continue to support national, regional and continental actions on Universal Access, however these efforts require more coordination, harmonisation and alignment. Thus, a Forum for Coordination and Harmonization of joint efforts was initiated to improve coordination among Multilateral Institutions and International Donors.

2. The fourth Inter-Agency Meeting on Coordination and Harmonization of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Strategies held in 2012 under the theme “Boosting the HIV, TB and Malaria response through Accountability” identified priority actions such as leadership and governance to achieve the health MDGs, strengthening health and community systems to sustain and scale-up of key interventions and resource mobilization and sustainable funding to achieve the health MDGs that would boost the response to the three diseases in Africa.

3. In addition, at the invitation of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the African Union (AU) Commission in collaboration with UN Agencies and other development partners, organized a Special Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (A.T.M.), in Abuja, Nigeria from 12 to 16 July 2013 under the theme “Ownership, Accountability and Sustainability of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Response in Africa: Past, Present and the Future’’. This was appropriate given the fact that HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria remain major causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa and continue to pose serious challenges to socio-economic development and human security in the continent. The aim of the Special Summit was to review the status of implementation of the Declarations and Frameworks for Action from the (a) Abuja Summit on Roll Back Malaria, 2000; (b) Abuja Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infectious Diseases (ORID), 2001 and; (c) Special Summit on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infectious Diseases (ORID), 2006.

4. The Special Summit reviewed the status of African Governments’ investment in the various national responses to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and adopted a set of actions to enhance the continent’s response and efforts towards reversing the impact of these diseases by ensuring universal access to services and strengthened health systems, especially for the poor and most marginalized people.

5. This Fifth Inter-agency Meeting on Coordination and harmonization of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Programs is taking place against the back drop of significant developments in the renewed fight against HIV/AIDS, Malaria and TB. Significant efforts have been made and achievements recorded by African countries in preventing and treating HIV and AIDS, in particular through prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes, blood screening for HIV and provision of antiretroviral treatment for those in need. Noteworthy achievements have also been made in tuberculosis treatment, with almost 100% coverage of Directly Observed Treatment Strategy, the halting of the previously increasing incidence rate and declining TB mortality in several countries, and the reduction of malaria-related deaths. There have been notable increases in health budgets in many countries, a positive sign although only a few (5) countries have reached the 15% threshold recommended by the year 2001 Abuja Declaration. In addition, the development and strengthening of harmonized national, regional and continental strategies, policies, plans and laws to guide the response is a step in the right direction.

6. Despite progress recorded, challenges are still abound, and African countries may not be able to achieve the objectives of the Abuja Call and the MDGs by 2015. The burden of poverty in African countries continues to constrain country efforts, limiting access to health services. On the continent, only 54% of those eligible for antiretroviral treatment have access. Only 10.9% of children under 5 years were reported to have received timely treatment according to national malaria treatment guidelines. The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis is a major concern, given the significant costs of treatment and high mortality. Health systems strengthening remains essential in almost all countries and can only be carried out with the renewed support of partners in the context of good governance.

II. OBJECTIVES OF THE 5thINTERAGENCY MEETING

7. The main objectives of the 5thInter-Agency Meeting include :

(i) To review progress and challenges encountered in implementing the recommendations and agreed priority actions of the 4th Inter-Agency Meeting on Coordination and Harmonization (Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 2012);

(ii) To take stock of the implementation of the Abuja Call for Accelerated Actions Towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Services in Africa by 2015 and define the next steps;

(iii) Identify key priority areas for implementation of the Abuja Actions Towards the Elimination of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Africa by 2030 and ensure synergy in the implementation of other Abuja commitments;

(iv) To discuss the key findings and the proposed Action Plan of the 2nd Desk Review of Women and Girls, HIV/AIDS and Conflicts: Situation Analysis of 11 Selected Conflict and Post Conflict Countries in Africa.

III. EXPECTED OUTCOMES

8. This 5thInter-Agency Meeting is expected to result in:

(i) Identification of the challenges encountered in implementation of the recommendations of the 4th Inter-Agency Meeting and elaboration of plans for better coordination and harmonization of efforts by stakeholders;

(ii) Action plan (Next Steps) for the last push towards achieving the targets of the Call for Accelerated Action Towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Services in Africa by 2015 and the Abuja Actions Towards the Elimination of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Africa by 2030;

(iii) Concrete proposal to support the implementation of the Action Plan for Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS in Conflict and Post Conflicts Settings in Africa developed and completed;

(iv) To build consensus on the roles of different partners in promoting the successful implementation of Treatment 15.

IV. ORGANIZATION OF THE MEETING

9. The three-day meeting is planned for 5-7 March 2014 and will be co-organized by the AU Commission, WHO, UNECA, UNAIDS and its Co-sponsoring Agencies. Accordingly, representatives of the African Union Commission, UNECA, UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA constitute the Organizing Committee. In addition, the representatives of the Global Fund, Roll Back Malaria, ALMA, World Bank, AfDB and other key players in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Malaria & TB would be invited to participate at the fifth meeting.

10. The 5th Meeting will be held at the Regional Offices of WHO/AFRO in Brazzaville as follows:

• 5-6 March 2014: Meeting of Experts

• 7 March 2014: Meeting of Regional Directors/ Executives for Africa

11. Invited participants and experts will be drawn from the AU and its organs and programmes, Health, HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria focal points of RECs and RHOs, relevant UN Agencies and a few other International Organizations; and Regional NGOs and CSOs actively involved in the control of HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria in Africa.

V. DOCUMENTATION: WORKING / REFERENCE

12. Deliberations will be based on the most recent commitments and updates reflected in the documentation listed below:

(i) Concept Note

(ii) Progress Report on the Abuja Call for Accelerated Action Towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Services in Africa by 2015;

(iii) Declaration of the Special Summit of the African Union on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria entitled “Abuja Action Toward the Elimination of HIV and AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Africa by 2030”;

(iv) The Second Desk Review of Women and Girls, HIV/AIDS and Conflicts: Situation Analysis of 11 Selected Conflict and Post Conflict Countries in Africa.

VI. WORKING LANGUAGES:

13. Simultaneous interpretation will be done in English and French during the Meeting. The main working documents will also be available in the two languages.

VII. CONTACT PERSONS/ADDRESS

14. Additional Information could be obtained from the following focal points:

A. AU COMMISSION

Dr. Djoudalbaye Benjamin

Senior Health Officer HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and OID

Department of Social Affairs

African Union Commission

P O Box 3243

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tel: +251 115 52 63 73 Ext 2207

Email::BenjaminD@africa-union.org cc HarakeyeM@africa-union.org and SenaitY@africa-union.org

B. WHO AFRO

Dr RAZAKASOA Nirina

HIV and AIDS Strategic Information and Planning

WHO-AFRO

PO. Box 6, Brazzaville-CONGO

GPN: 39223

Tel: +47 241 39223

Mobile : +242 05 61 90 140

E-Mail : razakasoan@who.int

Dr. Akpaka Kalu

Malaria Strategic Information and Planning

WHO-AFRO

P. O. Box 6, Brazzaville-Congo

Tel: +4724139405

Mobile: +242066839195

Email: kalua@who.int

Dr Daniel Kibuga

DOTS Expansion - TB Programme

WHO-AFRO

PO. Box 6, Brazzaville-CONGO

Tel : +47 241 39799

Mobile : +242 06 6616 135

E-Mail : kibugad@who.int

C. UNAIDS

Dr Pride Chigwedere

Senior Advisor to the African Union,

UNAIDS AU Liaison Office

Office: +251 115 443 121

Cell: +251 911 508 724 IP: 90538

P.O Box: 5580 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Email: ChigwedereP@unaids.org

Event

Celebration of Africa Healthy Lifestyle Day Theme: “Health for all through fo

28 February 2014

PRESS RELEASE Nº033/2014

African Union commemorates healthy lifestyles day with encouragement, an exhibition and healthy treats for all

Addis Ababa, 28 February 2014: A healthy lifestyle is about taking responsibility for one’s decisions and making smart healthy choices for today and for the future. This was the message that came out of the 6th Africa Healthy Lifestyle day commemorations held today at the African Union headquarters under the theme “health for all through food security”. The celebrations were organised by the AU Medical Services Directorate in collaboration with the Departments of Social Affairs (DSA), and Rural Economy and Agriculture (DREA) and other stakeholders.

This day was adopted in the framework of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) strategy on control of non-communicable diseases. The event brought together officials and staff of the AU Commission, staff of African Union embassies in Addis Ababa as well as their family members, other international agencies, students and the broader African community.

The meeting was addressed by Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, AU Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture and Mr. Olawale I. Maiyegun, Director of Social Affairs. “Food security is said to exist when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life. This includes both physical and economic access to food that meets people's dietary needs as well as their food preferences”, said Commissioner Rhoda Peace.

While addressing the meeting, Mr Olawale Maiyegun remarked, “Healthy lifestyle is about taking responsibility for your decisions and making smart healthy choices for today and for the future, and every day should be a healthy lifestyle day, not only the last week of February”.

The day focused on empowering, encouraging and increasing the participation of clients to improve in their nutrition and food safety practices, by improving food processing and making healthier choices, while increasing their physical activity rates as well their consciousness for screening for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Delegates to the Healthy Lifestyles Day also went on a tour of an exhibition titled, “Taste of Africa,” where they tasted healthy African foods from different countries such as Lesotho, Seychelles, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Angola, Uganda and Nigeria. They then proceeded to an open air aerobics and taekwondo session that was performed by nurses and AUC staff members to promote exercise for healthy lifestyles. The exhibition was opened by Mrs. Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture.

SH. AA

For further information contact

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: dinfo@african-union.org I Web Site: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

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