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.

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

For further information contact

Wynne Musabayana | Deputy Head of Division | African Union Commission I Phone +251115517700 | E-mail: MUSABAYANAW@africa-union.org | Web www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia

Tawanda Chisango |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
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/