Accelerating and intensifying responses to HIV/AIDS in Africa: Statement by the Right Honourable Austin Malewezi, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi

Abstract

The Statement is given by the Right Honourable Austin Malewezi, Vice President of the Republic of Malawi Delivered at the African Development Forum at the Accelerating and Intensifying Resources to HIV/AIDS in Africa. Mr. Malewezi, on his remarks highlighted that, The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa has been described as a "catastrophe in slow motion" and a "development and security crisis". While these descriptions may capture the devastating impact of the epidemic, they do not bring out the urgency and immediacy of the danger facing Africa. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa is an emergency, requiring an emergency response by African leaders as well as the international community. The focus on leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS is appropriate. Strong political commitment is a fundamental prerequisite to setting up a national strategic response to HIV/AIDS, which includes multi-sectorial participation and action at the community level. There is need for long term and sustained political commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. We must also address the needs of the most vulnerable groups of workers including migrant workers who are separated from their families. The migrant labour system and dislocation of family lives create obstacles to containing the AIDS epidemic and to establishing family care and support for AIDS patients. There is need to strengthen collaboration between different groups involved with migrant workers and with their families at home.