Press Release

February 11th 2009

Mozambique: Champions Discuss Regional AIDS Response During First Country Visit...

Maputo, Mozambique – The Champions for an HIV-Free Generation made their first ever country visit to Mozambique this week to meet with the country’s top leaders and urge an accelerated response to the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

Led by His Excellency, Mr. Festus G. Mogae, the former president of Botswana, the Champions’ two-day visit (Feb. 9-10) included meetings with Mozambique President Armando Guebuza, Prime Minister Luisa Dias Diogo, the board of the National AIDS Council and leaders of civil society organizations.

More than 1.6 million people are estimated to be living with HIV and AIDS in Mozambique. In meetings with government leaders, the Champions shared ideas for a regional response to the epidemic, including accelerated HIV prevention initiatives like male circumcision.

“We believe there is incontrovertible evidence that male circumcision helps reduce the chances of HIV transmission in heterosexual men,” said Mogae, who is the chairperson of the Champions. “It’s been demonstrated in Mozambique and in other countries that areas with high prevalence of male circumcision show lower prevalence of HIV.”
In addition to Mr. Mogae, other Champions taking part in the visit include His Excellency, Mr. Joaquim Chissano, former president of the Republic of Mozambique; Professor Miriam Were, chairperson of the Kenya National AIDS Control Council; and Ms. Joyce Mhaville, chairperson of the Steering Committee of the African Broadcast Media Partnership Against HIV/AIDS (ABMP).

The mission included a field trip to a community development project in Maputo called Provida which uses sports and arts to teach youth abut health. The Champions presented a certificate of appreciation to the project and declared Provida a “Community Champion” for its outstanding efforts and dedication.
“During out two days here, we met many Mozambican ‘Champions’ who work hard every day in this struggle against HIV and AIDS. We commend these local Champions and congratulate your country for its progressive attitude,” Mogae said.

Background on the Champions
The Champions for an HIV-Free Generation project was launched last year at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City. The founding members include four former African presidents, a Nobel Laureate, and other high-level African leaders from different walks of life. The Champions focus their efforts in Sub Sarah Africa, home to more than two-thirds of all people living with HIV.