Our History

His Excellency, Mr. Festus G. Mogae, the former president of Botswana, is one of Africa’s most visionary leaders. The recipient of the 2008 Mo Ibrahim Award for Achievement in African Leadership has won international praise for his brave battle against HIV and AIDS in Botswana and his outstanding stewardship of the country’s economy. During his 10 years in office, Mr. Mogae was one of the first heads of state to publically test for HIV, he paved the way for universal access to anti-retroviral therapy in Botswana, and he introduced routine HIV testing into the public health sector – a seemingly risky initiative that has since been proven a major success.

In August 2008, during the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, Mr. Mogae launched the Champions for an HIV-Free Generation, a group of former African presidents and other influential personalities with an aim to mobilize high-level leadership in renewed and revitalized responses to HIV and AIDS in Sub Saharan Africa.

The Champions’ aim is to advocate for better policies, laws and practices that facilitate, rather than hinder, effective responses to the epidemic. They reinforce best practices in the region and highlight progress made. As outspoken opinion-leaders, they seek to initiate a dialogue in changing behavioral and harmful societal norms.

The Champions efforts are focused in Sub Saharan Africa, home to more than 70% of all people living with HIV. The societal impact of HIV, including millions of orphans and child-headed households, is enormous and the fiscal and economic costs are rising. The Champions recognize that despite significant efforts by African countries and growing financial flows from development partners, the overall response to the epidemic has failed to stop the occurrence of new infections and change behavior.

More than anything, the Champions recognize that AIDS represents one of the greatest leadership challenges of our time. Presidents, parliamentarians, health ministers, religious, social and traditional leaders have a great influence on public opinion about HIV and AIDS.  As decision-makers, they can encourage informed debate on issues related to HIV and AIDS. As lawmakers, they can design, adopt and oversee the implementation of legislation that protects human rights and advances effective HIV prevention. As guardians, they can ensure that appropriate funding is steered towards evidence-based interventions, and that government commitments on HIV and AIDS are respected.

At their Inaugural Meeting on September 11-12, 2008, in Botswana, the Champions agreed to take on this challenge. By targeting sitting heads of state, the Champions agreed to provide peer support for stronger, more visionary leadership in the Sub Saharan African region.

Our Vision

The Champions for an HIV-Free Generation envision a world with dignity, free from stigma and discrimination, where leaders commit to and follow through on actions that result in the end of new HIV infections and a healthier global community.

Our Objectives

The main objectives of the Champions for an HIV-Free Generation are to:

Objective 1

• Champion for stronger, more visionary and outspoken leadership from the continent most affected by the epidemic through peer support in Sub Saharan Africa.

Objective 2

• Champion for global responses to reflect the evidence and burden of the HIV and AIDS epidemic in Africa through mobilization of the international community and its resources.

Objective 3

• Champion for the collaboration of strategic partner organizations in Africa that mobilize and inform high-level leadership.

Objective 4

• Champion the social changes needed to achieve the vision of an HIV and AIDS free generation.