Zambia: HIV/Aids poses 'serious challenges'
25/06/2008
Zambia's first lady has reaffirmed her belief that HIV/Aids remains one of the most serious threats facing her country and the wider international community.
Speaking at the official opening of the Organisation of African First Ladies' fight Against Aids (OAFLA), Maureen Mwanawasa urged African nations to unite in their efforts against the scourge.
The meeting was attended by OAFLA technical advisors from Libya, Tanzania, Gabon, Namibia, Burundi and Zambia - all countries that have publicly expressed support for the global battle against HIV/Aids.
Expounding on her multifaceted approach to overcoming the disease, Mrs Mwanawasa said that nations needed to understand the direct link between HIV/Aids and sustainable development.
She urged countries to work together to forge stronger partnerships that minimise the hardships endured by African women and children, many of whom remain subjugated on a community level.
She also called on officials from the Al Gadaffi Project for African Youth, Children and Women to move quickly to reach a consensus in its consultative meeting in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
Echoing the sentiments expressed by the first lady, Libyan secretary general for women affairs, Huda Ben Ammer commended the wife of the Zambian premier for her commitment to the cause.
Ms Ammer emphasised the importance of strong leadership such as that displayed by Mrs Mwanawasa and reiterated her complaint that women remain disadvantaged in spite of their contributions to society.
According to the 2007 Zambia Demographic Health Survey, HIV prevalence rates in the country fell 1.3 per cent to 14.3 per cent last year.
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