Panafrican News Agency - November 30, 2001
Isseki Therese, PANA Correspondent
The youths expressed their determination to use methodologies initiated by ACS Worldwide and the NGO World Peace to effectively control the AIDS scourge, the first cause of mortality in their age group.
According to organisers, the crusade falls in line with the guiding principles of the African Union. "The struggle for the African Union, which should be waged by every African, would remain a dream if it does not take into account the fight against AIDS, the scourge of modern times which is decimating African youth," reads part of these guidelines.
The youths stated that only a synergy taking into account Africa's traditional and cultural realities would help the continent to overcome HIV/AIDS.
The youths declared that the crusade would also take into account new information and communication technologies in the fight against AIDS.
The initiators of the project are to launch Friday an awareness and fund-raising campaign in the two countries to finance national committees, parastatal or private HIV/AIDS control bodies.
The funds would be used for the protection of the most vulnerable sections of the population in the two countries, particularly AIDS orphans.
The youths will also urge Benin and Togolese authorities to sensitise young people on the need to show solidarity against HIV/AIDS.
As part of the crusade, the youths intend to organise a major public concert involving about 20 West African musicians and from the Diaspora.
The concert will be attended by some 20,000 people, and performers are encouraged to focus on the need for AIDS awareness among the youths.
The youths also plan to organise a public march in which youths and artists from the two countries and elsewhere in Africa would participate.
The march will end at Lome II where participants will give a message to Togolese president Gnassingbe Eyadema, who will be asked to urge his African peers to show more commitment in the fight against AIDS.
Activities of the "Crusade for Revival" are expected to end with a televised gala evening, broadcast live by Benin, Togolese and sub-regional television channels.
A fashion show involving major African designers and models including Miss West Africa, film stars, musicians, footballers, and people from the media and show business will participate in the gala evening.
Symbolic cheques will also be handed to the AIDS control committees and associations in the two countries.
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