16th AU Summit

News & Events

OAFLA Meeting discusses ways to fight Against HIV and AIDS and Betterment of Wom

2 February 2011

Directorate of Communication and Information

PRESS RELEASE N0. 14/ 16th AU SUMMIT

OAFLA MEETING DISCUSSES WAYS TO FIGHT AGAINST HIV AND AIDS AND BETTERMENT OF WOMEN’S LIVES

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2 February 2011- On Monday 31st January 2011 in Addis Ababa, the 16th Ordinary Session of the African First ladies was held at the African Union headquarters with the theme of ‘‘Towards Greater Unity and Integration through Shared values’’ emphasizing on HIV/AIDS. 13 first ladies attended.

First ladies and representatives of first ladies of countries presented and showed briefly what they have been doing and plan on doing in the future in their countries, to minimize the number of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The first ladies and representatives of first ladies raised issues like creation of credit funds, education, avoiding harmful cultural practices, Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, using health care providers, and use of radio, TV, billboards and HIV counseling and testing centers. They also discussed universal access to treatment using traditional leaders, and free anti natal and post natal checkups.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki, CEO of NEPAD said African Heads of State and Government adopted the program of NEPAD 10 years ago since it focuses on saving life and empowering women at the continental level to eradicate poverty for sustainable socio- economic growth and development. 75% of the African population lives in rural areas and is dependent on agriculture. He said these people face economic problems so focus on the rural areas is paramount. He added that Africa has 60-80% agricultural laborers who are women and they work for longer hours. Women, he said, are affected by lack of access to markets, climate change and raw material shortage. But, he added that women can contribute to the development of Africa since they are the backbone of the household. Dr Mayaki proposed to work with the first ladies individually.

Mrs. Ban Ki Moon, on behalf of the UN Secretary General stressed on the need for strong commitment by the AU in the fight against HIV. HIV predominantly exists in the Sub-Saharan Africa and the region needs medicine, she said. She added that “we have to work to protect mothers and babies to reach the Millennium Development Goals”. She showed the importance of women’s empowerment and equality for the betterment of the society.

Dr. Sheila Sisulu Deputy Executive Director of WFP started by recalling that agriculture is the backbone of Africa’s economy and that 80% of agricultural produce comes from women but these women have less than 5% access to credit, and less than 5% access to extension services. So whatever they produce they consume right away. She said the problem is that the women farmers are not organized within farmers associations. She also underlined the importance of education which will one way or another have an impact on the prevalence of HIV.

The Chairperson of OAFLA, Ethiopian First Lady Mrs Azeb Mesfin raised points like regional presence and membership fees. She stressed on the role played by the UNAIDS and other donor organizations. She added that the challenges of HIV will continue to be the main issues in the meeting.

Press releases

Closure of the 16th AU Summit: Unity around shared values

1 February 2011

Press Release N0. 07 / 16th AU Summit

Closure of the 16th AU Summit: Unity around shared values

Addis Ababa, February 1, 2011 - The 16th Summit of the African Union (AU), which began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Jan. 24, closed its session late into the night of January 31. Organized under the theme "Shared Values in Africa: for greater unity and integration", the 16th Ordinary Session considered the review of the political situation of the continent, including the situation in Côte d'Ivoire and in other sub-regions which are experiencing waves of protests.

The Heads of State and Government of the AU held several meetings in view of finding solutions to crises and ongoing conflicts or conflicts that are emerging on the continent. A high-level Panel for the resolution of the crisis in Côte d'Ivoire composed of Presidents of Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Chad, Tanzania, South Africa, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union Commission has been established. The Panel will provide a peaceful and negotiated solution within a month.

The Heads of State and Government also commented on other crucial issues such as the role of Africa in the Security Council of the United Nations, the impact of climate change and international cooperation.

The summit also unanimously welcomed the election of Professor Alpha Conde, President of Guinea, through a democratic process. The democratically elected President delivered a speech before the Assembly.

The Summit adopted all decisions that were submitted by the Executive Council. It also adopted a Declaration on shared values in which the Summit is committed among others "to create viable and democratic states to ensure effective delivery of services to African peoples and to promote economic progress and good governance."

At the closing ceremony of the 16th Summit of the African Union, the newly elected Chairperson of the continental organization, President Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, said, through the Addis Ababa Declaration "Africa has ratified her confidence in herself and in shared values, a key route for the continent's development and for achieving a common vision of unity and integration". He advocated that the Member States of the Union adopt all necessary mechanisms so that the peoples of Africa may enjoy the rights and freedoms contained in these instruments.

The 17th Summit of the African Union with the theme "Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development" will be held from 23 to 30 June 2011 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Speeches