AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) – An Africa free from AIDS, TB and Malaria

Together we can end

WE ARE ON A MISSION

AIDS, Malaria and TB by 2030

ABOUT US

Created at the Abuja 2001 Special Summit, AIDS Watch Africa (AWA) is a statutory entity of the African Union with the specific mandate to lead advocacy, accountability and resource mobilization efforts to advance a robust African response to end AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria by 2030.

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BEFORE YOU FINISH READING THIS SENTENCE, NEARLY THREE PEOPLE WILL HAVE DIED EITHER OF AIDS, TUBERCULOSIS OR MALARIA IN AFRICA.

We are on a mission to change that.

Here’s how:

Promote effective leadership and good governance

AWA progressively brings together global and continental leaders for high-level policy dialogues on AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and resource mobilisation with emphasis on increased, sustained political commitment and accountability. To promote accountable leadership and follow up action, AWA holds a consultative meeting each year with experts from AU Member States to deliberate on key policy issues and prepare a report for presentation to Heads of State and Government during the AU Assembly.

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Convey information for action and development

AWA conducts evidence-based advocacy for continental policy frameworks and instigates data-driven accountability towards turning commitments into action. We work with all the key AU organs, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Health Organizations (RHOs), civil society, the private sector and development agencies to acquire and disseminate comprehensive information and jointly plan and review implementation of AU continental policies.

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FOSTER IMPACTFUL
MULTISECTORAL PARTNERSHIPS

Attaining end of AIDS, tuberculosis, and elimination of malaria by 2030 is attainable.

However, it requires strong, sustained collaborative effort. To this end, we engage policy makers and multi-sector continental and global development partners on strengthening the response to the three diseases in Africa and prioritising health financing

Initiatives led by AWA include:

Africa Leadership Meeting – Investing in Health (ALM) Declaration

In February 2019, African Heads of States and Government endorsed the ALM Declaration to

Free To Shine Campaign

In January 2018, the African Union Commission co-launched the Free To Shine Campaign with

Zero Malaria Starts With Me Campaign (ZMSWM)

The African Union Heads of State and Government endorsed ZMSWM in July 2018 in

December 1, 2024

Take the Rights Path to End AIDS: Charting Africa’s Journey Towards Health Equity by 2030

This year’s World AIDS Day theme, “Take the Rights Path to End AIDS”, underscores the critical role of human rights in combating the AIDS pandemic. The 2024 UNAIDS report reveals that the path to ending AIDS by 2030 requires bold action to dismantle stigma, eliminate barriers, and ensure that everyone—particularly women, youth, and marginalised communities—has equitable access to prevention, care, and treatment services. Key Insights from the 2024 UNAIDS Report Despite notable progress, the report highlights…

November 11, 2024

Canada-Africa Partnership Takes Centre Stage: Prioritising Nutrition, Education, and Health for a Stronger Future

Toronto, Canada – The African Union (AU), Nutrition International and the Canadian government took bold steps to advance their shared vision for a healthier, better-educated, and more resilient future for Africa during the recent African Union Commission-Canada High-Level Dialogue. Held in a dynamic fireside chat format, the event brought together Hon. Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s Minister of International Development, and H.E. Ambassador Minata Samate Cessouma, AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development. Moderated by Joel…

November 8, 2024

Uniting Against NCDs and Mental Health Stigma: African Union and Africa CDC Chart the Path Forward

Nairobi, Kenya – From 5th to 7th November 2024, the African Union (AU) and Africa CDC convened the second meeting of the Multisectoral Taskforce on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Injuries, and Mental Health (NCDIMH) in Nairobi. The gathering marked a pivotal moment in addressing the continent’s pressing health challenges, aligning efforts with Agenda 2063’s vision of an integrated and prosperous Africa. Attended by representatives from 12 AU departments, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), international partners such as WHO…

CHAMPIONS FOR CHANGE

October 29, 2024

Towards a Healthier Africa: “AU Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond” Finalised

Livingstone, Zambia – In a major step forward for Africa’s health future, the African Union (AU) Commission has finalised its groundbreaking “AU Roadmap to 2030 and Beyond: Sustaining the AIDS Response, Strengthening Health Systems, and Ensuring Health Security for Africa’s Development.” The comprehensive and fully costed strategy was completed during a high-level retreat held from October 2-4, 2024, in Livingstone, Zambia. The roadmap is the result of two years of collaborative efforts following the AU Assembly…

October 10, 2024

Official Statement: World Mental Health Day

By: H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma – Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union ‎Commission 10 October 2024, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Today, the African Union Commission stands with the world to commemorate World Mental Health Day under the theme, “It is time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.” A balanced and health-focused workplace is essential for driving innovation, boosting efficiency, and fostering economic growth. By placing employee well-being at the core of organisational strategies, we…

June 1, 2023

Press Release: African Union Commission Convenes Regional Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Meeting for Eastern and Central Africa

Antananarivo, Madagascar, 1 June 2023 – The African Union (AU) Commission, in collaboration with the East African Community (EAC), the Economic Community of Central African States ‎‎(ECCAS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Member States, ‎is ‎convening experts on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)‎ programming for ‎a regional meeting to discuss mobilising domestic ‎resources and ‎strengthening ‎programs to combat NTDs in the ‎Eastern and Central African ‎regions from 31 May to 02 June in Antananarivo,…