Second CHGA Commissioner's Meeting: statement by K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Statement by K.Y. Amoako, Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa at the Second CHGA Commissioner's Meeting. Mr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, we already view the HIV/AIDS pandemic that is ravaging Africa as an emergency. After all, the death toll from AIDS far exceeds that of most wars. Urgent action is needed to keep the HIV-infected from getting ill and dying. Moreover, to keep those still healthy from being infected. Yet, this focus on the obvious challenges may be distracting us from a different but equally pressing demand the need to plan for the long term. The Commission on HIV/AIDS and Governance in Africa was established to help African leaders mount an effective response to this insidious long-term threat. We aim to press home to our leaders and decision makers the message that HIV threatens their capacity to govern and to help them implement policies to fight back. The impact of HIV on public services is also high on the list. The prolonged illness that precedes HIV-related death implies major costs for the state, in absence, in replacement cost, in health insurance and termination benefits, and in the loss of experience and skills.

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Bibliographic Details
Format: Speech biblioteca
Language:eng
Published: 2004-03
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10855/47359
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