Vice President and dignitaries at the conference
Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has advised African countries to lead its HIV/AIDS response.
She made the call at the opening ceremony of the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), in Accra.
Speaking at the conference, she explained that donor priorities are changing when it comes to healthcare while health emergencies are testing systems in Africa.
She added that Africa must move forward with vision and leadership with an agenda to build self-reliant systems.
“Africa must move a step forward with vision and leadership. We must form our agenda, define our priorities and build strong, sustainable, self-reliant systems,” she added.
She further noted that AIDS related death has reduced across the world with the introduction of antiretroviral therapy stating that the drug has helped saved lives.
“We have witnessed remarkable progress in reducing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths. Antiretroviral therapy has saved millions of lives. Innovations such as HIV self-testing and long-acting injectables are driving prevention,” she said.
The Vice President, however, noted that the continent continues to face profound disparities in access and outcomes adding that even though the 95-95-95 targets are within reach for many nations, developing countries remain far behind.
She noted that about 65% of people living with HIV in the country know their status and many are receiving life-saving treatments. She also noted that new infections have steadily declined with community-led organisations remaining the backbone of the AIDS response.
The Vice President said combating AIDS demand sustained political, financial and social commitment noting that young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, account for a disproportionate share of new infections.
She emphasised Africa’s resilience in fighting against AIDS indicating that the conference is an opportunity to secure the health of the next generation.
“This is our chance to be bold, to rethink, redesign and rebuild a sustainable financial foundation for the next generation of health security,” she added.
By Florence Asamoah Adom