Opening remarks by His excellency Dr. Kenneth D. Kaunda

Abstract

This is a most welcome opportunity for the members of our commission to interact with our Ministers of Finance in order to bring to their attention the commission's work. I believe that it is extremely important for us to work closely with our policy makers because Africa is facing a crisis with frightening implications on populations. A crisis, which I feel, should be declared as an emergency requiring extra- ordinary and urgent measures to address; a crisis that not only needs the urgent attention of our Governments but more importantly, their commitment to act. Indeed, I sincerely believe that the AIDS epidemic in Sub-Sahara Africa should be enough reason to compel our leaders to do what is right in the fight against the disease. For this pandemic has already taken millions of our people especially the young ones in the prime of their lives. And many more are living with HIV / AIDS.