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
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
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.
