Second CHGA Commissioner's Meeting : Statement by K.Y. Amoako, executive secretary, united nations economic commission for Africa

Abstract

This Statement delivered by K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa at the Second CHGA Commissioner's Meeting. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, Naturally, we already view the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is ravaging Africa as an emergency. After all, the death toll from AIDS far exceeds that of most wars. Urgent action is needed to keep the HIV-infected from getting ill and dying. And to keep those still healthy from being infected. Yet, this focus on the obvious challenges may be distracting us from a different but equally pressing demand – the need to plan for the long term. The impact of HIV on public services is also high on the list. The prolonged illness that precedes HIV-related death implies major costs for the state, in absence, in replacement cost, in health insurance and termination benefits, and in the loss of experience and skills. the African continent, there are presently few facts about the distribution of the epidemic in terms of its impact and the likely ramifications for skills and experience across all major sectors.