In the closing address at the 13th International HIV/Aids Conference, held in Durban former President Nelson Mandela stated that;
"In the face of the grave threat posed by HIV/Aids we have to rise above our differences and combine our efforts to save our people. History will judge us harshly if we fail to do so now, and right now. Something must be done as a matter of the greatest urgency and with nearly two decades of dealing with the pandemic, we now do have some experience of what works."
We need to break the silence, banish stigma and discrimination and ensure total inclusiveness within the struggle against HIV/Aids.
"For this there is need for us to be focused, to be strategic and to mobilize all of our resources and alliances and to sustain the effort until this war is won."
At the same conference, Dr Sam Nbulaitey from the Uganda Virus Research Institute in Entebbe presented his team's findings on the decline in new HIV/Aid infections in Uganda - the first country in Africa to show a decline in the rate of infection.
Radio stations, carry the safe sex message to rural villages who may not be able to read and there are also drama activities that go around the rural countryside, and these are very important in raising awareness.
At the launch of Vukani, the Government's HIV/Aids Awareness Campaign the Honourable Mr Jacob Zuma appealed to the South African business leaders to assist Government in the challenge which is facing our country as a result of the pandemic.
Effective partnerships with Government are urgently required to attend to the most important strategic issues which face not only government but also commerce and industry.
The economic impact of HIV/Aids and its impact on governance is now receiving attention with a request for concept papers by the Joint Centre of Political and Economic Studies in association with UNAID, SIDA, AUSAID, DFID and various Government organizations and institutions.
Civil society participation, in developed countries, is acknowledged as an initiative to promote an interest amongst people to be involved and to serve the country. Practical initiatives outside the political arena can therefore play a part in making our country a better place for all.
Africa will determine whether global partnerships will be effective and development funding should not be seen as "charitable" but more as an "investment in peace and security". Donor funding in support of an HIV/Aids Awareness Campaign should therefore be at the top of the International Development Agenda.
We need to show the world that there is not a so-called "denial" and that we have the power through our actions to make a major impact in order to gain support from donors worldwide. No bigger challenge faces the world than the need to improve access to health care on this continent of ours.
