According to the African Union (AU), in spite of the progress made in combating HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and malaria, evaluation reports on the prevalence of the three diseases indicate that they remain the three major causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa, and constitute serious challenges to socio-economic development and human security.

The AU has organised a three-day Special Summit on HIV and Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, being held in the Nigerian capital Abuja from 2-4 May.

Themed "Universal Access to HIV and Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria Services by a United Africa by 2010" (UA by UA by '10), this Summit promises to evoke “bold, urgent and extraordinary action” from African heads of states and government to ensure the targets set this time to prevent and control these diseases are met by 2010.

The Special Summit will review the status of implementation of the Declarations and Frameworks for Action following the 2000 Abuja Summit on Roll Back Malaria, and the 2001 Abuja Summit on HIV and Aids, Tuberculosis and Other Related Infectious Diseases (ORID).

It will also adopt a “renewed” commitment for halting and reversing the impact of these diseases by ensuring universal access to services, and strengthen the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) within the context of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) to include the control of HIV and Aids, tuberculosis and malaria in its reviewed priorities.

The Summit will conclude with preparations of a statement by African leaders for presentation at the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on Aids that is taking place from 31 May to 2 June.

Key participants include national delegations and representatives of Civil Society Organisations, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) Development Partners and the United Nations System, to support Africa in scaling up universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010, and achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Source: BuaNews