African leaders adopt experts report to end AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030

Recommend extension of AU Roadmap on Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity to 2020

Sandton–16 June 2015: African leaders on Sunday during the statutory AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) luncheon meeting adopted the report of AIDS Watch Africa Member States Experts on AIDS, TB and Malaria. The report comes at a critical juncture when the the African Union is reviewing its key health frameworks that will come to an end in 2015. At the global level countries are finalising negotiations for the Sustainable Development Goals that will supersede the Millenium Development Goals at the same time.

“Both the African Union Common Position on the Post 2015 Development Agenda and the 2013 Abuja Declaration prioritise health as central to Africa’s development” said the Chairperson of AIDS Watch Africa President Robert Mugabe. “These frameworks recognise the urgency of speeding up action to strengthen our health systems, provide comprehensive and integrated health care services and improve universal access to essential services, with a focus on elimination of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030” he added.

The Victoria Falls experts report highlights the key progress and challenges in the implementation of the African Union roadmap to end the three diseses and provide key recommendations for addressing AIDS, TB and malaria. The African Union has already started the process of developing the new framework to end AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030 in line with the 2013 commitment by the African leadership in Abuja, Nigeria.

“While it is indisputable that the last decade has seen unprecedented decline in the incidence of these diseases, we cannot be complacent. In fact, we need to redouble efforts and embrace ambitious targets, so that we can succeed in eradicating the three diseases” said Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, the Chairperson of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance while urging the African Union Commission to prepare a roadmap, with clear targets and timelines on eliminating malaria.

The meeting recommended the extenstion of the African Union Roadmap for Shared Responsibility and Global Solidarity for AIDS, TB and Malaria Response to 2020 to ensure its full implementation. The three pillars of the AU Roadmap are diversified, balanced and sustainable financing models, access to medicines through local production and regulatory harmonisation and leadership, governance and oversight for sustainability.
For further information contact

Mrs Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Communication and Information Division | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | Tel: (251) 11 551 77 00 | Fax: (251) 11 551 78 44 | E-mail: MusabayanaW@africa-union.org | Web: www.au.int | Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Mr. Tawanda Chisango I AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) Program Advocacy & Partnership Expert | Social Affairs | African Union Commission I Mobile +251934167052 | E-mail: chisangot@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int 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 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/

About AIDS Watch Africa
Created at the Abuja 2001 Special Summit, AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) is an Africa-led instrument to stimulate leaders into action and mobilize the resources needed to address AIDS, TB and Malaria in an effective, sustainable and accountable manner. Learn more www.aidswatchafrica.org