The Special Session on HIV/AIDS organized by the Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa, during the AFRICITIES 2000 Meeting in Namibia comes at an important turning point in the response to HIV/AIDS in Africa. Opinion leaders and policy makers within Africa and internationally are speaking out about HIV/AIDS as a high priority issue - as a matter of national security and as a major obstacle to development - one that requires a multisectoral response and the full involvement of communities. Peter Piot, Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has recently noted that, "...even though this is a serious disease, there is no medical solution. We may have the best models, approaches and technology, but these are always used in a certain cultural environment, and the answers have to come from the community".

It is estimated that 95% of those infected in Africa do not know their HIV status because they have not been tested. The fear, stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS, the shortage of testing and counseling facilities, limited access to support and care all contribute to what some perceive as a cycle of despair and hopelessness. But in countries such as Uganda and Senegal where strong partnerships have been developed between government and civil society, Africans have demonstrated their capacity for facing up to, and dealing with the epidemic in ways that can inspire hope and confidence.

The Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa has developed a strategy which reflects the importance of locally led multisectoral action, as a fundamental complement to supportive national policies. This approach shifts decision-making to communities, local government authorities and civil society partners in ways that are transparent and consistent with good governance.

The second meeting of the Alliance during AFRICITIES 2000 provided an opportunity for the Alliance and its partners to take stock of what has been achieved over the past two years and to plan next steps. As the Prime Minister of Namibia noted during the closing ceremony at the Special Session, "The Alliance demonstrates that Africans are not just sitting idly by, but are conscious and committed to ensuring that HIV/AIDS does not stifle our development initiatives." It is up to us all now to continue to work in partnership - the rich and the poor, the disempowered and those with power, the young and the old, men and women, government and civil society and together, bridge the gaps between rhetoric and action.

Mina Mauerstein-Bail
Manager
HIV& Development Programme
Bureau for Development Policy
UNDP