New York – On 22 September 2024, African health ministers and global health leaders will convene at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to address the critical role of African leadership in the global HIV response. The high-level side event is hosted by the African-led HIV Control Working Group (HCWG) in collaboration with the Centre of Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) and co-hosted by the Honourable Dr. Elijah Julaki Muchima, Minister of Health of Zambia and the Honourable Mr. Pierre Dimba, Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Côte d’Ivoire. The meeting will highlight the important role of African voices in reshaping the HIV response across the continent.
Why Now?
Despite the remarkable strides made in the fight against HIV over the past two decades, Africa is now at a pivotal point in its HIV response. Progress is at risk as the urgency surrounding HIV diminishes. There is a growing perception that HIV is no longer a top public health priority, jeopardising the continent’s ability to meet the 2030 HIV/AIDS targets. As political will and global funding stagnates, there is an increasing risk of undoing the hard-won gains of the last 20 years.
The message is clear: we cannot afford to wait. Africa must take ownership of its health systems including the HIV response, to secure a healthier future for all.
What Needs to Change?
At this crucial event will, the discussion will focus on three critical themes for a sustainable HIV response Africa:
- Increased domestic financing: It is imperative that Africa transitions from reliance on external funding sources to prioritising domestic financing, which is critical for the long-term sustainability of healthcare solutions.
- Integration of HIV programmes: It is essential that the HIV response is integrated into broader health systems to ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to public health challenges.
- African Representation in Global Health Leadership: Strong and representative African voices are a must in the global decision-making processes to develop solutions that reflect the continent’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Voices Leading the Change
The event will feature a distinguished panel of experts including Dr. Izukanji Sikazwe, Co-Chair of the HIV Coverage Working Group (HCWG); Ambassador Dr. John Nkengasong, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator; and Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. These thought leaders will share invaluable insights on financing strategies, health system integration, and the importance of African-led innovation in the global HIV response.
A Call for African-Led Solutions
In the light of the ongoing challenges facing Africa, including pandemics, climate change and conflicts, taking ownership in healthcare has never been more urgent. African leadership must rise to the occasion, embracing innovation and community-driven solutions to build a future for effectively sustaining the HIV response.
This event will facilitate crucial discussions on the measures required to achieve African-led solutions that can transform the continent’s health landscape. By taking charge of the HIV response, African countries can secure the health of future generations.
Stay tuned for Updates
We invite to stay tuned for updates following the outcomes of the event at the United Nations General Assembly. We will share key takeaways from this important gathering, which provides a crucial opportunity to align global and African leadership in the fight against HIV. The future of HIV as a public health threat in Africa hinges on decisive action, creative thinking and unified leadership. The journey to end HIV in Africa is underway and it is essential that it is led by representative African voices.
We look forward to continuing this conversation beyond the transformative dialogue on the 22 September 2024. Together, we can create a future in which Africa is at the forefront of the global effort to end HIV.
Contact Information:
For any further details about this high-level event, please contact us at:
- Email: cece.namuyemba@cidrz.org
- Alternate Email: cidrz@globalhealthstrategies.com