Department FrontPage

1. BACKGROUND
Since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, when the World Health Organization called oneveryone to “Join the Worldwide Effort”, AIDS has become one of the defining issues of ourtime.There is still a serious shortfall in resources for AIDS, and stigma and discrimination aroundAIDS continue to prevail. As a result, two-thirds of those who require antiretroviral treatmentare unable to access it. Less than one in ten people at risk of HIV infection have the meansto protect themselves.Sustaining leadership and accelerating action on AIDS isn’t something just for politicians. Itinvolves religious leaders, community, youth and council leaders, chief executives and tradeunion leaders. It involves people living with HIV, and their families and friends. It involvesyou, me – each and every one of us – taking the lead to eliminate stigma and discrimination,to advocate for more resources to tackle AIDS.The fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won byindividuals alone, but the combined efforts of all stakeholders.

According to the five year review of the Abuja Call for accelerated action towards universal access to HIV/AIDS,TB, and Malaria services, conducted by the AU Commission in May 2010, since 2006, significant progress has been made by Members States towards universal access to health services in general and HIV/AIDS in particular. There is a clear continental and international political will and commitment to achieving universal access and health related MDGs by 2015. Inspite of the commendable progress made, this is still insufficient to attain the Abuja target of universal access to HIV/AIDS services.

2. THEME :
The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day‘Universal Access and Human Rights’underscores the importance of Universal access services as a human right.
The focus of the commemoration will be on protection of human rights of personnel living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The African Union Commission HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy will also be popularized during a workshop to be held on 1st December 2010.

3. OBJECTIVES
i. To express solidarity in awareness raising efforts in line with the International Community
ii. To promote and popularize the AU Commission HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy among the staff of the Commission

4. EXPECTED OUTCOME
Increased awareness on HIV/AIDS and the AU commission HIV/AIDS Workplace policy

5. PARTICIPANTS
Participants will include staff of the AU Commission, Embassies, as well as their family members.

6. MATERIALS
Advocacy materials such as banners, posters, tee shirts, flyers, pin’s and policy documents shall be made available for the event.

7. DURATION
Activities will begin from 1 to 4 December 2010.

8. LANGUAGES
The languages of the workshop shall be French and English.

9. ACTIVITIES
Should include the following:

• workshops, and panel discussions
• Quiz
• Walk from Arat Kilo to AU premises
• Radio and TV interviews