Events & Activities

Event

African women and children mourn the passing of the Mandiba!

6 December 2013

African women and children mourn the passing of the Mandiba!

"We must free children from the nightmare of poverty and abuse and deprivation…we must protect parents from the horrifying dilemma of choosing who will live…” Nelson Mandela

Women and children of Africa will like to join the world in mourning the loss of Nelson “Madiba” Mandela, a man who championed policies supporting women and children geared towards enhancing access to education, health care, clean water, and more. In retirement, his Nelson Mandela Foundation, fought to combat HIV/AIDS, promote rural development and school construction, and eradicate poverty.

The Campaign on Accelerated Reduction on Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) believes that there is no better way to honour Mandela's legacy than by continuing the fight to make childhood and maternal deaths from preventable diseases and malnutrition history. With a deep sense of commitment to improving the welfare of women and children, we can win this battle that will be a fitting tribute to this great man.

Event

World AIDS Day Commemoration in Juba, South Sudan

1 December 2013

AFRICAN UNION COMMENDS LEADERS EFFORTS IN FIGHT AGAINST HIV AND AIDS

Juba, South Sudan 2 December 2013- As the world commemorated World AIDS Day (WAD) on December 1st, the African Union’s main celebrations were co-hosted with the Government of South Sudan in Juba from December 1 to 2. The African Union took the opportunity to commend the South Sudanese Government and all Heads of State and Government for their commitment to fighting the HIV/AIDS scourge while President Salva Kirr Mayardt reaffirmed his personal commitment and that of his government to achieving zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and zero deaths from the disease.

“All the benefits realized since 2000 have been because of the pre occupation by Heads of State and Government. HIV infection is now on the decline and this is attributable to the leadership”, said AU Commissioner for Social Affairs Dr Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko when he met with President Salva Kirr in Juba today. Dr Kaloko was referring to decisions reached at continental level since the Abuja summit of 2000. Among the critical decisions that have been made are the creation of AIDS Watch Africa and the appointment of goodwill ambassadors, the formation of a working group to assist in the replenishment of the global fund and the call for the mobilization of domestic funding to support HIV/AIDS interventions.

“We stand with the rest of the world in the fight against the most dangerous enemy that has ever come to this world, and we want to eradicate HIV/AIDS so that people can go back to their normal lives”, President Salva Kirr pledged, while underscoring his government’s unflinching support to the African Union and international efforts to beat the disease. Donning a WAD t shirt, the President thanked the AU for engaging South Sudan, its youngest member state on the issue, and for accepting the invitation to co-host this year’s commemorations

He also lamented the fact that some traditional practices such as wife inheritance contribute to the spread of HIV and work against measures being put in place to combat it, as the practice often happens without due regard to the cause of the husband’s death, “We need to educate our people. The most effective weapon against this enemy (HIV) is persuasion, particularly of the youth so that they behave well,” he added while also encouraging more openness about the infection and zero discrimination against those already infected.

Dr Kaloko used the occasion to hand over the African Union Commission’s second desk review on “Women, Girls, HIV/AIDS and Conflict: Situation Analysis of 11 Selected Conflict and Post Conflict Countries in Africa” to President Salva Kirr.

The Commissioner was accompanied on his visit by the Head of the AU Liaison Office to South Sudan Ambassador Nakaha, UNAIDS representative Mrs Rosemary Museminali, the Chairperson of the South Sudan AIDS Commission Dr Esterina Novello and AU Commissions Deputy Head of Communication and Information Division Mrs Wynne Musabayana.

For further information contact

Mrs Wynne Musabayana I Deputy Head of Communication and Information | African Union Commission I E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | 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: Chisangot@africa-union.org | 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

Event

Drug News Africa, Volume 3, Issue 2, December 2013

29 November 2013

Drug News Africa, Volume 3, Issue 2, December 2013

Event

African Union Commission announces World AIDS Day theme

26 November 2013

African Union Commission announces World AIDS Day theme

Getting to Zero: Africa’s Responsibility, Everyone’s Responsibility

Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-Related Deaths

Ahead of the World AIDS Day commemorations in Juba, South Sudan the African Union Commission has announced the theme for next year’s campaign. The new theme Getting to Zero in Africa- Africa’s Responsibility, Everyone’s Responsibility resonates with the global theme (2012-16) Getting to Zero- Zero new HIV infections, Zero Discrimination and Zero AIDS-Related deaths and the African Union Roadmap for Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“The thrust of the African Union theme anchors on the need for shared responsibility by Africans and global responsibility from the international community to deliver on the major commitments it has made on AIDS, TB and Malaria responses in Africa”, said His Excellency Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko the Commissioner for Social Affairs at the African Union Commission.

The objectives of the 2014 campaign which is being launched during the World AIDS Day Commemoration in Juba, South Sudan on 01 December 2013 are to mobilise continental support and global solidarity for the AU Roadmap and to sustain momentum for the implementation of Abuja Declarations (2001, 2006, 2013). The campaign also seeks to strengthen leadership commitment and solidarity at various levels in support of the African vision for achieving zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. The African Union through AIDS Watch Africa will engage influential platforms and constituencies, from young people to Heads of State and Government to create synergies between them.

This year the World AIDS Day is being marked at a momentous historical period of African Renaissance associated with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation for African Unity (OAU) in 1963. It also marks 12 years after the 2001 Abuja Declaration on AIDS, TB and Malaria when African Heads of State and Government committed themselves to concrete measures to stem the tide of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

[End Statement]

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

For further information contact

About the African Union

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 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

Meeting of Ministers of Health and Finance on Domestic Financing for Health Addi

11 November 2013

Event

Meeting of Ministers of Health and Finance on Domestic Financing for Health Addi

11 November 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

African Health and Finance Ministers pledge to increase domestic spending on health

Addis Ababa, 12 November, 2013- Ahead of the Global Fund replenishment meeting in December this year, African health ministers, civil society organisations and development partners met to find a pathway for accelerating domestic funding for AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The Global Fund estimates that US$ 87 billion will be required from 2014 to 2016 to reach all vulnerable populations in low and middle-income countries with essential services to bring AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria under control. Of the amount, the Global Fund estimates that US$ 37 billion can come from domestic financing.

“Financial resources are a crucial input for provision of adequate and quality health services,” said Dr. Kesetebirhan Admasu, the Minister of Health for the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia”. “However, the ever increasing cost of health care and multiple competing priorities in resource poor countries makes financial resources insufficient to make substantial improvements in access and quality of health care”, he added.

Over the last decade, tremendous progress has been made against AIDS, TB and malaria, achieving an impact that was unthinkable at the turn of the millennium. This achievement has been the result of the hard work of governments, health care providers, and communities including persons affected by the diseases, faith-based organisations and the private sector all over the world. The resources committed by domestic and external sources have been fundamental to the progress achieved so far.

“Increased domestic spending on health will be pivotal in helping us defeat HIV, TB and malaria”, said Dr. Mark Dybul, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. “We are tremendously encouraged by the efforts African countries are making in this regard and will support them strongly”.

With sufficient funding an unprecedented opportunity exists to turn the tide against these three deadly epidemics. Defeating the diseases would be transformative for Africa and the world. It is a fact that many African countries recognise and want to be part of.

Since its establishment in 2002 the Global Fund has provided a coordinated international response to three devastating epidemics to empower countries with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to turn the tide. It has made significant impact, saving more than 9 million lives. With advances in science, better implementation and increased investments, the Global Fund has identified an historic opportunity to completely control the three diseases, removing them as threats to public health.

[End Statement]

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

For furtherinformation contact

Ernest Waititu I Media Officer I Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria I email Ernest.Waititu@theglobalfund.org I Tel: +41 (0) 79 541 0656 I Geneva, Switzerland I Web http://www.theglobalfund.org

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 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/

The Global Fundis an international financing institution dedicated to attracting and disbursing resources to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS, TB and malaria. The Global Fund promotes partnerships between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities, the most effective way to help reach those in need. This innovative approach relies on country ownership and performance-based funding, meaning that people in countries implement their own programs based on their priorities and the Global Fund provides financing where verifiable results are achieved.

African Development BankThe African Development Bank (AfDB) spurs sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries (RMCs), thus contributing to poverty reduction through mobilising and allocating resources for investment in RMCs; andproviding policy advice and technical assistance to support development efforts.

Event

Strengthening national AIDS response coordination and aligning continental, regi

7 November 2013

STRENGTHENING NATIONAL AIDS RESPONSE COORDINATION

Addis Ababa, 8th November 2013: The 2 day conference on AIDS coordination began on the 7th November 2013 at the African Union Conference Centre Office Complex Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The conference began by underlining the aim of strengthening national AIDS response coordination and aligning continental, regional and national AIDS responses. This meeting was organized by the African Union in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Service Centre for Africa and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Speaking at the meeting was Dr. Yankuba Kassama, Dr. Pride Chigwedere, Mr Mesfin Getahun and Ms Cindy Carlson. Ms Carlson stressed that, “The core role of any coordination that includes HIV and AIDS should be to continue to lead and coordinate the planning and monitoring of the HIV/AIDS response.”

The theme of day 1 of the conference was national coordination. Various studies, reviews, restructuring exercises, and assessments conducted by national authorities and international organizations indicate that countries need to recognize the changes that occur in the HIV and AIDS epidemic and the global development landscape and take appropriate measures to align the coordination of their AIDS response with such changes. While the process of strengthening national AIDS response coordination and aligning it to these changes is mainly the responsibility of national stakeholders, regional bodies such as Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the African Union Commission (AUC), development partners such as the UN, and regional civil society organizations are also expected to play an important role in facilitating national level action.

Presentations on coordination, decentralised coordination, multisectoral respose, multiple coordination mechanisms and where they all fit in were discussed which was then followed by an interactive session of question & answer and a group exercise where the analysis of challenges and experience of participants on problems dealing with this issue and issues expected in the future.

Event

African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC)

5 November 2013

The African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) has adopted a Declaration to End Discrimination and Violence against Girls in Africa.

" The Addis Ababa Declaration to End Discrimination and Violence against Girls in Africa " is the outcome of the General Discussion that was held on 05 November 2013, during the 22nd Session of the ACERWC.

The Committee Experts and the relevant stakeholders present on that day have agreed to combat violence and discrimination against girls in Africa.

As a result, the Declaration identifies the major stakeholders and outlines the measures they should undertake to ensure that ending discrimination and violence against girls is the concern of all. Moreover, its provides a conducive legal and policy environment for CSOs to operate in advancing child protection issues in the areas of advocacy, research, litigation and support for victims across Africa.

The media has also been identified as a key partner in advancing children rights in Africa. Its critical role in promoting children rights is recognized in the Declaration which calls upon the Media to take action by raising awareness on all the issues pertaining to children rights in Africa in general and discrimination and violence against girls in particular.

Event

Continental Experts Consultation, Harare, Zimbabwe

15 October 2013

Developing and Improving Responses to Counter Drug Trafficking and Related Challenges to Human Security

Event

AUC and AMREF Call for Partnerships in Support of Sustainable Health Development

2 October 2013

AUC and AMREF Call for Partnerships in Support of Sustainable Health Development in Africa

Addis Ababa, 02 October 2013. The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with the African Medical Research Foundation (AMREF) held a reception ceremony on the achievements of health care in Africa. The event, which took place on 02 October 2013, at the AUC was part of the 50th anniversary of the OAU/AU as well as a series of awareness raising meetings of AMREF to deliberate on strategies for improving the health of Africans.

“The people of Africa are taking full responsibility for their own development, and the African continent is more than aware of the importance of prioritizing health and medical development”. This was the message by the Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, AUC, H.E. Dr. Elham M. Ibrahim. Expressing gratitude to AMREF and other organizations similarly committed to the growing development of healthcare in Africa, she stressed the relevance and suitability of the theme, ‘Celebrating Achievements in Health Care in Africa’.

Dr. Elham underscored the Commission’s commitment to faithfully support all partners in this worthy cause of improving Africa’s health care, and stated the importance of both parties working together towards this goal.

Since its establishment, AMREF has worked with the Commission to reach out to communities across Africa with the aim of providing sustainable solutions to their health needs, said Dr. Teguest Guerma, AMREF Director General. “In our 56 years of existence our programmes have reached millions of people in communities across Africa with health service, knowledge and skills. We have trained thousands of health workers and worked with governments to build capacities of their institutions and staff,” she added.

AMREF’s stand up for African Mothers Campaign and AU’s Campaign for Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) are aimed at easing the burden of maternal mortality in Africa. Most African countries are still lagging behind in meeting the Millennium Development Goals on maternal and child health and these campaigns seek to address this situation.

AUC and AMREF therefore called upon all partners to work together and ensure increased investment into health care development in Africa. The role of civil society organizations (CSO) cannot be overlooked. CSOs are a key partner in curbing communicable and non- communicable diseases by their contributions in strengthening health systems and working with governments to improve provision of health services.

To learn more visit;

www.au.int;

www.amref.org

Event

Reception to Celebrate Achievements in Health Care in Africa

2 October 2013

MEDIA ADVISORY

RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS IN HEALTH CARE IN AFRICA

INVITATION TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MEDIA

WHAT: Reception to celebrate achievements in Health care in Africa as part of the 50th anniversary of OAU/AU.

WHEN: Wednesday, 02 October 2013 at 18:00

WHERE: African Union Headquarters, Addis Ababa

WHO: The Department of Social Affairs, African Union Commission,

(AUC) in collaboration with the African Medical and Research Foundation

(AMREF).

WHY: The purpose of this event is to deliberate on strategies of improving the health of Africa, and raising awareness of stand-up for African mothers campaign in the context of ‘Pan-Africanism & Africa Renaissance’.

Participants: Senior members of the Government, AU and UN officials, Donors and Partners, AUC and AMREF staff members.

All media representatives are invited to participate and cover the reception on Wednesday, 02 October 2013, at 18:00 at the African Union Commission.

Further information:

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke

Directorate of Information and Communication

AU Commission

0911- 630631

molalett@africa-union.org

Mr. Tedla Mulatu, Capacity Building Manager, +251 921 56 71 39, AMREF Ethiopia, Email: tedla.mulatu@amref.org ; www.amref.org

Event

AUC, AfDB, UNECA, ILO Sign the Declaration of Intent on the Joint Initiative on

10 September 2013

Press Release

AUC, AfDB, UNECA, ILO SIGN THE DECLARATION OF INTENT ON THE JOINT INITIATIVE ON YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN AFRICA

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 10 September 2013 - To improve an ever worsening un (der) employment problem for young people in most African countries and to tackle the urgent need to make Africa benefit from the untapped potential and the “demographic dividend”, the African Union Commission, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the Africa Development Bank and the International Labour Organization have joined force and launched the Joint Youth Employment Initiative for Africa (JYEIA).

The signing ceremony will take place on Tuesday 12 September 2013, at the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in Small Conference Room 3, 3rd floor, New AU building, at 10:00.

The initiative addresses the call of the African Heads of State and Government at their Summit in Malabo in July 2011 to tackle more decisively the youth employment challenge in Africa and is part of the follow-up to the 2004 Ouagadougou Declaration and Action Plan to the same effect.

While operating at country, sub-regional, and continental level the JYEIA will be active in three main areas: (i) policy support, (ii) support to implementation of national, sub-regional and regional youth employment plans and policies and, (iii) knowledge building and dissemination. To be noted that, at the country level, the initiative will not support particular projects or actions, but, by conducting a thorough diagnostic work, it will provide the basis for an effective, integrated and nationally owned definition and implementation of priorities and areas of interventions.

The Initiative will not itself implement activities, but support implementation by relevant stakeholders by offering financial resources and technical expertise. In the selection of activities to support, the Initiative will emphasise such types and approaches of intervention that have proven their value and can be up scaled in order to achieve sizable impact. The three areas of the labour market (demand, supply and matching) will be simultaneously considered and short, medium and long term interventions will be combined.

The distinctive trait of the initiative is to seek to add value to the on-going youth employment efforts by becoming a catalysing factor of the national and international endeavours. In order to achieve such goal, the comparative advantages and strengths of its four member institutions will be tapped into and active collaboration and coherent integration of the work of national and development partners will be sought.

Journalists are invited to cover the signing ceremony of the Joint Youth Employment Initiative for Africa, on Tuesday 12 September at 10 am.