Thousands Sign Petition for Action on HIV/AIDS a...(ties Delegation of UNITAID. According to...),Health

The petition draws much-needed attention to the problem of co-infection with HIV/AIDS and malaria, which are the most prevalent infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. Supporters are urging Ministers of Health in malaria endemic countries, heads of agencies of bilateral and multilateral initiatives, donors and an array of other entities to honor their commitments and act jointly on the two diseases. Thousands of activists, academics, implementers, physicians, private sector partners, and people living with HIV/AIDS joined the call for action at the XVII International AIDS conference in Mexico City, prompting a continued effort concluding Saturday in Dakar.

"Many of the four million lives lost to malaria and HIV/AIDS every year could be saved by more effective integrated prevention and treatment programs," said Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and the Roll Back Malaria Partnership. "If we collaborated more and competed less, we could work toward more innovative solutions that tackle multiple diseases. Campaigns like one I recently took part in offer potential solutions."

Chaka Chaka was among the hundreds of volunteers engaged in a pioneering integrated program last month in rural Kenya. Almost 50,000 people - or more than 80% of the targeted population in the selected region - were tested for HIV in only one week. Tools and techniques for protection from malaria, HIV and water-borne diseases were offered as an encouragement to every participant, while helping move communities beyond the stigmas often associated with testing. The Swiss-based company Vestergaard Frandsen, in p
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