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HIV and Leadership
The role of Leaders
A quarter of a century has passed since the world first became aware of AIDS. In those 25 years, the epidemic has spread further than anyone could have imagined.
Responses to the HIV and AIDS epidemic have shown leadership at its best and its worst. Denial and victim blaming have been among the low points. But there has also been much compassion, creativity and courage shown.
Leadership at all levels and in all walks of life is vital. But political and other top-level leaders bear a special responsibility to set the examples that spur others into action. Presidents, parliamentarians, health ministers, religious, social and traditional leaders have a tremendous 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.
The persistent commitment of leaders is essential in guaranteeing that coherent national plans operate effectively and that sufficient resources are channeled into responses that are comprehensive, evidence-based and human-rights based.
The Champions Commitment
At their Inaugural Meeting on September 11-12, 2008, in Botswana, the Champions for an HIV-Free Generation agreed to take on the leadership challenge. The Champions, with their collective experience and stature, are well placed to influence high-level government, civil society and religious leaders in the region and to advocate for increased, evidence-based HIV and AIDS initiatives. They agreed to provide peer support for stronger, more visionary leadership in the Sub Saharan African region.
More specifically, the Champions committed to:
- Advocate for urgent action in the response to HIV and AIDS, with a focus on proven prevention measures;
- Inform global leaders and policymakers so that responses reflect the evidence and burden of the epidemic and ensure that focus remains within Africa;
- Promote accountability from African leadership and amplify positive and successful examples of leadership;
- Form partnerships with organizations that mobilize leadership; and
Champion social changes needed to achieve a vision of a generation free of HIV and AIDS.
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