Xth International Conference on
HIV/AIDS and STDs in Africa Summary ReportsSymposium on HIV, Development and
the Role of Local Government, Abidjan, 9 December 1997
and
The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa challenges our economic development, our socio-cultural values, our inter-personal relations – our current life and our hopes for the future. It affects our families, our children, our parents, our uncles, our aunts, regardless of socio-economic background, ethnicity or religion. Seventy percent of the thirty million people infected with HIV live in Africa, and a large proportion of these are women and children. Every sector is affected: our teachers, administrators, business people, civil servants, health practitioners. The epidemic spares no professional, social or age group. There are numerous consequences for the development of our cities. As the 21st century approaches, our cities continue to grow: by the year 2000, more than half of their populations will be under forty. They will need infrastructure, services, jobs and houses. As mayors, our role is to increase efforts to allow people to thrive and to grow economically, socially, culturally and personally. Working at the local level enables us to forge direct links between governments and local populations. The epidemic is an additional challenge for local authorities in Africa, a challenge which cannot be ignored because it affects both our future and that of our children. To face this challenge we can bring together our strengths at local level and raise awareness among communities, families and individuals. As municipal leaders, we must encourage partnerships between public authorities, the private sector, communities, NGOs and the international community. This first Symposium of Mayors on HIV/AIDS in Africa, and the establishment of the Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS are encouraging examples of such partnerships, and demonstrates the concern felt among local authorities. We wish to acknowledge the support of the United Nations system, in particular the critical role which has been played by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in this initiative. This support, together with the commitment of the participants at this symposium, form the solid basis for a dynamic process through which problems will be shared and overcome, and isolation transformed into solidarity and the hope to see Africa develop in peace and harmony. Ernest N’Koumo Mobio
The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to affect millions of lives throughout the world. The impact has been particularly severe in Africa with every aspect of human endeavour potentially affected and economic realities and social relations having to adapt in unforeseen ways. The epidemic has also highlighted the dedication and compassion of those who seek to make a difference to the lives of others who are already affected. One concrete example of these qualities in action can be seen in the Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS, the creation of which is described in this document. As the interface between local communities, the private sector and government, mayors and municipal leaders can play a critical role in mobilising multisectoral responses to the epidemic. UNDP Africa is committed to fostering the building of partnerships and networks, and will continue to support the Alliance’s work in Africa. Thelma Awori This first international symposium on HIV, Development and the Role of Local Government brought together politicians, public health officials, development planners, economists, social scientists, community leaders, non-governmental organisations and community groups, people affected by HIV and AIDS and representatives of the international development community. Together they overcame discomfort and spoke publicly about sensitive issues. They spoke openly with honesty and compassion. The HIV/AIDS epidemic impacts on a broad range of human endeavours including social and economic development, public health and social welfare, education, employment, defense and law enforcement and on other aspects of governance, including legal and human rights. The challenges it poses to human well-being and development require collaborative and complementary action across sectors, institutions and disciplines and between and amongst governmental and non-governmental organisations. Experience shows that if the collective efforts of the international community are to lead to effective and sustainable results, they must empower people to take charge of their own well-being, building on the strengths of local knowledge and values and of an enabling environment at national and international levels, which fosters and supports local initiatives. The "Abidjan Declaration" is an expression of commitment and concern and an acknowledgement that more effective action must be taken at local level to address the multisectoral implications of HIV/AIDS. The involvement of, and support from, many individuals and organisations contributed to the success of the symposium and the launching of the Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders to address HIV/AIDS in Africa. Each contributor provided important insights and ideas which enriched this collaborative undertaking. Special thanks to such generous and committed people as the Mayor of Abidjan, Mr. N’Koumo Mobio, the Minister of the Interior of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Constant-Bombet and the mayors and municipal leaders in Africa for their vision and leadership. I would also like to acknowledge with appreciation the contributions made by the UNDP Resident Representative in the Côte d’Ivoire, Ms. Bazile-Finley; and Ms. King Akérelé, Representative of the UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa; the UNDP Urban Management Programme, the UNAIDS Secretariat, especially Dr. Piot, Executive Director; Ms. Lawson, Country Programme Advisor, Côte d’Ivoire; and Ms. Kaleeba, Community Mobilisation Advisor; Professor Kanté, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Gaston Berger University, Saint Louis, Sénégal, and Advisor to UNDP; Hon. Manuel Pinto, Member of Parliament of Uganda; and the extraordinary group of individuals, Lucy, the Major and Kevina who agreed to share their personal stories. Mina Mauerstein-Bail,
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