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.

Find out more

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.

FIND OUT MORE

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.

FIND OUT MORE

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 17, 2024

AUC Roundtable Advances Cost of Food and Nutrition in Africa (COFAN) Studies

“Africa’s wrong hunger trajectory is unacceptable. Strategic investments and innovative solutions are critical to ensure evidence-based policies that drive sustainable nutrition interventions,” –H.E. Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development at the AUC A groundbreaking step in addressing Africa’s nutrition challenges was taken as the African Union Commission (AUC), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), hosted the High-Level Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the Cost of Food and Nutrition…

December 7, 2024

Taking the Rights Path to Triple Elimination in Africa: A Collaborative Webinar for 2024 World AIDS Day

In commemoration of World AIDS Day 2024, the African Union, EGPAF, UNAIDS, AUDA-NEPAD, and Abbott hosted an engaging webinar titled “Take the Rights Path: Advancing Rights and Access for Triple Elimination in Africa.”The session brought together experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding the Triple Elimination policy, with a focus on strengthening PMTCT platforms and integrating programmes to address HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis. Dr Sheila Shawa, Senior Technical and Partnership Specialist, Department of Health Systems,…

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…

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,…