Nairobi — Today, the country joins the world in marking the World Aids Day.

The theme this year is "Leadership" while the campaign slogan is "Stop Aids. Keep the Promise."

There will be events in all districts and provincial headquarters.

In Nairobi, two processions will be held from Uhuru Park and Nyayo Stadium to KICC, where the main event will be held.

Head of Civil Service and Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Francis Muthaura will preside over the event, which will be the peak of week-long activities that have seen key public figures take voluntary HIV tests and counselling.

Making leadership the theme of the next two World Aids Days, will help encourage leadership on Aids at all levels.

Despite the efforts to hold leaders accountable last year, progress in halting HIV infections has fallen far short of targets. Over 25 million lives have been lost to Aids worldwide. About 4.3 million people were infected with HIV last year.

The overall purpose of the World Aids Campaign from 2005 to 2010, is to ensure that leaders and decision makers deliver on their promises on Aids.

This includes the provision of Universal Access to Treatment, Care, Support and Prevention services by 2010.

The World Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to support African countries to halt and reverse the spread of HIV through a long-term and sustainable, multi-partner response.

Despite the 2007 Unaids epidemic update showing a decline in death rates, Africa continues to bear the greatest burden.

More than 76 per cent of all Aids-related deaths this year and 68 per cent of new infections globally occurred in Africa. Sixty-one per cent of Africans living with HIV, this year, are women.

The World Bank has provided $1.5 billion for HIV/Aids programmes in over 30 countries and five sub-regional projects addressing cross-border issues through the Multi-Country HIV/Aids Program for Africa.