Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
Integrated Regional Information Networks - December 1, 2003
"Leaders must rise to this huge challenge and mobilise the youth, not to fight political battles, but to spearhead the fight for their own survival, and that of Somalia against AIDS," the statement quoted Jesper Morch, the UNICEF representative for Somalia, as saying.
Unlike many of the surrounding countries, in Somalia the prevalence of HIV/AIDS had remained relatively low, thereby providing a setting in which an effective, comprehensive and nationwide prevention programme - if put in place now - could achieve a reduction in the number of future HIV infections, said the statement.
Addressing a meeting of community leaders in the self-declared autonomous region of Puntland, northeastern Somalia, Morch said: "AIDS is an issue on which there can be no disagreement. It knows no clan, no faction nor political allegiance."
World AIDS Day was also marked in other parts of Somalia. In the capital, Mogadishu, a ceremony was held at the Sahafi Hotel, which was attended by politicians, traditional elders, religious leaders, representatives of civil society and women's groups and the UN.
All the leaders present committed themselves to the fight against the pandemic, Dr Muhammad Mahmud Ali Fuje of the World Health Organisation told PlusNews.
"This is a breakthrough," he stressed. "It is the first time that religious leaders have come out in public to support the fight against the disease. This shows that Somalis are beginning to take this seriously."
031201
IR031202
Copyright © 2003 - Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Integrated Regional Information Network. .
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2003. 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 – 2003. 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. .