23 November 2007
Ndola — THERE is need for anti-retroviral drug (ARVs) manufacturing companies to establish production plants in Africa, former presidents and leaders have said.
The leaders said that with the higher HIV/AIDS prevalence and ARV consumption in Africa, it was proper for the production to be rolled out closer to the people and ensure continuity.
The observation was made yesterday at the closure of the two-day former heads of state and governments AIDSCOM conference themed: 'Africa takes charge', to discuss ways of contributing to the fight against the pandemic on the continent.
However, the leaders encouraged increased advocacy for behavioural change and preventing new infections instead of focusing on treatment.
In their communiqué released in Livingstone yesterday, the leaders said having recognised HIV/AIDS as a human tragedy, a national and regional challenge, they had resolved to respond to it through collective action.
They also resolved to help mobilise society for collective action against the pandemic and encourage governments to increase resource allocation to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
They would also challenge traditional and cultural practices that perpetrated the spread of HIV/AIDS and to address stigma and discrimination against infected people.
The former presidents would also work with governments to end crimes of abusing children sexually and facilitate stronger family units and social structures to withstand the impact of HIV/AIDS besides discouraging all forms of gender-based violence.
The leaders would also speak against international policies, legal instruments and practices that prevent Africans from accessing affordable drugs and other health services.
The workshop was attended by among others former presidents of Malawi and Burundi Bakili Muluzi and Pierrie Buyoya and his wife Sothie.
Others were former Tanzanian presidents Hassam Mwinyi and Benjamin Mkapa. Former Organisation of African Unity (OAU) secretary general, Salim Ahmed Salim, United Nations country coordinator Aeneas Chuma, top Government officials and permanent secretaries.
First Republican president, Kenneth Kaunda is the patron of the organisation.
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