Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresent Societies - 27 October 2000
The Ouagadougou Declaration was signed by 52 African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on September 25 at the closing of the fifth Pan African Conference, which took place in Burkina Faso, the capital of Ouagadougou. It was issued as an official document of the UN General Assembly in New York on October 13.
"This will give Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies better international visibility. It is also a chance for us to make our voice heard in the global fight against HIV/AIDS," underlines Encho Gospodinov, Head of the Federation delegation in New York.
In the declaration, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of Africa commit themselves to defeating the diseases and food shortages which decimate millions of people each year on the continent. The document calls for a massive increase in resources to finance and implement vastly expanded programmes and to urgently and concretely address public health and food security issues in Africa.
The HIV/AIDS pandemic was identified as the first among health priorities, which also include the fight to curb malaria, tuberculosis and diarrhoeal diseases. Today, some 24 million people are estimated to be HIV-positive in Africa.
Significant efforts will also be financed to make food security a priority. The right to food is sometimes defined as "the right to life", as a sufficient and balanced diet is essential for people's good health. The recruitment and training of African volunteers, who implement Red Cross and Red Crescent programmes through their unique access to the heart of communities, will also be improved. The International Federation has had permanent observer status at the UN since October 1994.
001027
IF001001
Copyright © 2000 - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IFRC Contact.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2000. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .