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BACKGROUND of Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS

 

On July 18 th 2002, thirty-seven African First Ladies and representatives gathered in Geneva for a special meeting. They all signed a framework of action to combat HIV/AIDS on the continent and created the Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA). This was a response to the call to action from both the African Summit on HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infectious Diseases held in Abuja, and United Nations General Assembly on HIV/AIDS.

The OAFLA framework defined the goals, guiding principles, beneficiaries, objectives, strategies and structures of OAFLA. A principal aim of the creation of the organisation was to reinforce the capacities of First Ladies to respond effectively to the challenges presented by HIV/AIDS in their countries and on the continent.

OAFLA/OPDAS aims to advocate for increased awareness and to mobilise resources for the development of leadership, polices, strategies and actions to fight HIV/AIDS at the national, regional and international level. OAFLA members have developed a five-year strategic plan (2004-2008) that aims to advance the implementation OAFLA orientations and mobilise resources. It represents a working tool for monitoring and evaluating the organisation for the five years.

OBJECTIVES

    • To reduce stigmatisation and discrimination of people infected and affected
      by HIV/AIDS and encourage their participation in the fight;
    • To mobilise partners, financial and operational resources at local, national, regional,
      and global level in order to confront and fight to the pandemic;
    • To initiate the development of effective strategies in HIV/AIDS prevention;
    • To advocate for effective strategies of treatment and care for PLWH;
    • To ensure follow-up and evaluation of the implementation of OAFLA/OPDAS activities.

ACTIVITIES

At the national level, the First Ladies implement their respective Action Plans to contribute to the fight against HIV/AIDS with the collaboration and support of governments, National AIDS Control Commissions, NGOs, private sector and local community organizations. Their involvement adds value and often catalyses innovative responses in the fight against AIDS. The First Ladies have participated in radio and television broadcasts, organized press- conferences and advocacy events, and initiated activities for the support of orphans and vulnerable children; and for the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.

At the sub-regional and international level: The African First Ladies participate in international conferences, and have initiated joint inter-country activities in the central, western and eastern sub-regions .

BENEFICIARIES

OAFLA/OPDAS advocates for better access to the essential services of prevention, treatment, family health care, support for vulnerable groups, most notably women, children, youth and people infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS.

STEERING COMMITTEE

The Steering Committee is made up of 8 First Ladies (Vice-Presidents) representing four of the five sub-regions of Africa (the Northern region was not represented at the 3 rd General Assembly):

Central Africa: Gabon and Burundi

Eastern Africa: Rwanda and Kenya

Southern Africa: Zambia and Mozambique

Western Africa: Ghana and Mali

First Lady of Rwanda - Mrs Kagame

 

 

During the 3 rd General Assembly held in Addis Ababa in July 2004, the First Lady of Rwanda, Mrs Jeannette Kagame was elected President of the Organisation, taking over from the first President of the organisation, the First Lady of Gabon, Dr Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba.

 

 


 

 
 
   
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