Pan-African Aids initiative

Aids orphans perform a drama for participants

By Nita Bhalla in Addis Ababa

The largest ever African-driven conference focusing on HIV/Aids in the continent is underway in Addis Ababa this week.

This is the first time that all 53 African states have come together to talk about this issue, an issue which was not spoken about a few years ago

Organiser

Over 1,500 African leaders, policy makers, civil society organisations and people living with HIV/Aids have converged on the Ethiopian capital to discuss ways that leaders at all levels can contribute to controlling the pandemic.

It is organised by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and aims to bring together Africans from all sectors of society to build a consensus on tackling the disease.

Organisers of the conference have rebuffed cynicism, promising that it is not just another "talking shop."

Not 'talking shop'

KY Amoako, Executive Secretary of the UNECA, says this year's Africa Development Forum (ADF 2000) is different from other conferences.

Religious and civil society leaders are represented

"The ADF 2000 is unique. It's an African-driven initiative which allows Africans to come together and form a consensus on HIV/Aids.

"This is the first time that all 53 African states have come together to talk about this issue, an issue which was not spoken about a few years ago", he said.

"People from all walks of society, from all over Africa have come here to share their unique experiences about HIV/Aids and learn from one another", he added.

Living testimony

The five day conference will not only involve discussions and presentations, but will be an action-orientated forum.

There will be breakout sessions, debates and also real life stories from people living with HIV/Aids, to keep delegates focused on the reality of the disease.

Charlotte Mjele lives with HIV/Aids

At the opening of the Forum on Sunday, Charlotte Mjele, a 22 year old South African woman living with HIV/Aids addressed delegates, saying that the pandemic could have been controlled in Africa.

"Our continent did not have to be devastated like this by HIV/Aids. We should not have allowed it to get to this stage and we therefore have a responsibility to reverse the situation", she said.

Leadership initiative

At this Forum, Heads of State will each deliver statements sharing their unique perspectives in their respective battles against HIV/Aids.

Experts at the conference say that the crisis of HIV/Aids is the single most challenge facing the African continent today.

Many believe that the level of death, disruption and socio-economic chaos is worse than any famine, war or natural disaster in the continent's history.

Pop concert

But the conference won't just be bogged down with seriousness.

Organisers have planned a concert on Wednesday, which will feature top African artists including Femi Kuti, Hugh Masekela and Ismael Lo.

The aim will be to take the ADF 2000's message well beyond the conference hall as the concert will be broadcast in 11 African countries.

All photographs courtesy of UNECA/Antonio Fiorente