African Union and EGPAF sign a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate to end AIDS and TB in children
Addis Ababa, 20 Feb 2023 – The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) today in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster collaboration and support Africa’s efforts to end AIDS and tuberculosis (TB) by 2030.
A key pillar of Africa’s blueprint and master plan for transforming Africa into a global powerhouse is the African Union Agenda 2063 and the Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB and Malaria by 2030 – three of the world’s most acute public health threats. The agreement embedded within the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development will build on the mandate of AIDS Watch Africa, which is a statutory entity of the AU established in 2001 to lead advocacy, resource mobilisation and accountability efforts to advance a robust African response to end AIDS, TB and malaria by 2030. Broadly, it formalises the mutual interaction and strengthens the relationship between the AUC and EGPAF to address the inequalities children face in AIDS and TB response.
“There is great value in coordination”. H.E Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, AU Commission said.
“With the signing of today’s MoU, the AU Commission and EGPAF have created an umbrella framework encompassing the two institutions’ knowledge, expertise, and networks to strengthen efforts towards an AIDS-free Africa by 2030. I am looking forward to the implementation of the new actions as a result of this cooperation, especially around addressing the gaps in care for children and adolescents who bear the brunt of the epidemic in Africa”.
The agreement to collaborate comes after the endorsement of an Extraordinary Summit on HIV/AIDS to tackle AIDS and TB in children and adolescents by the AU Heads of State and Government during the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly.
“I applaud the commitment by African leaders to address the growing inequity in the AIDS and TB response for children and young people,” said Chip Lyons, EGPAF President and CEO.
“To end AIDS and TB as a public health threat, children need the political and financial attention they deserve. The call for a Special Session on Ending AIDS, Preventable Maternal Deaths and Health Systems Strengthening by Heads of State and Government affirms this commitment. EGPAF is ready and committed to working with African Union Commission and national governments to find and implement solutions necessary to end AIDS and TB in children and young people”.
