Highlights from the African Union Summit

This January, more than 30 African heads of state gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the 22nd African Union (AU) Summit. Leaders discussed priorities for the continent, including adopting a Common African Position (CAP) on the post-2015 development agenda to ensure Africa’s needs are heard during this year’s global discussions about a post-2015 development framework. 

As part of our continued efforts to eliminate pediatric HIV, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) and its partners advocated to include language in the CAP that ensures health remains at the core of the post-2015 development agenda and that the aims of the current Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are not left behind.

The CAP was first presented as a draft position at the 21st AU Summit in May 2013, and represents the culmination of months of work by a High Level Committee (HLC). The HLC was chaired by the Republic of Liberia and included two heads of states and two governments per region. The CAP also received input from a wide range of stakeholders including academia, governments, civil society, women, youth, private entities, and regional bodies.

The final text of the CAP will be launched at the end of February before crucial discussions commence at the United Nations this March.

The African Union also endorsed the creation of a new annual award in honor of musician and civil rights activist, Miriam Makeba, to recognize significant contributions or actions of individuals, organizations, and governments in Africa to end preventable maternal, newborn, and child mortality and enhance their survival and well-being. 

EGPAF works closely with the AU and African governments to ensure that health, including the elimination of pediatric HIV, remains a top priority for countries throughout the continent.

Learn more about EGPAF’s global advocacy efforts toward eliminating pediatric HIV worldwide.

Rhoda Igweta is EGPAF’s senior public policy officer, based in Nairobi, Kenya.