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Ending HIV/Aids requires a broad, collaborative focus ─ and there is a clear path

The new UNAIDS Global Aids Update 2023 is clear about there being a path to end AIDS. This will help ensure preparedness to address other pandemic challenges, writes executive director Winnie Byanyima in this topical article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/path-ends-aids-mystery-policy-choice-winnie-byanyima/

From the Africa Centre’s side, we couldn’t agree more. “Health governance and leadership, the urgent need for capacitated health managers and leaders as well as research impact studies are critical in view of the seven years remaining to achieve the 95-95-95 targets and SDGs,” says interim director Dr Munya Saruchera.

“Alongside other role players, the Africa Centre has a crucial role in equipping community and political leaders, training health management researchers and integrating health with other issues. Challenges such as climate change, food security, community participation and decision-making, health governance, gender-based violence, harmful cultural practices, child marriages and overall inequality cannot be seen as separate silos. They have to be addressed in their entirety to accelerate inclusion and innovation towards reaching the SDGs and 95-95-95 targets.”

“The Africa Centre has embarked on a revisioning process that will ensure a more strategic and wider health management scope and agenda beyond only HIV/Aids management. Innovative partnerships and collaborations are required to address many of the elusive challenges we face. Governments, community structures, research and higher education institutions, funders and business need a complete mindshift to move away from an egoistic orientation towards a more collaborative one.”

We encourage all Arica Centre students and other stakeholders to read Ms Byanyima’s article and also engage with the full UNAIDS report, even if you only start with the executive summary from pages 8 to 17.

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