Yet, in an increasingly integrated world, no country can attain these goals in isolation. It is clear that while HIV and AIDS remain a very serious public health issue, effective responses require leadership, commitment and action on a broad range of human, social, economic and political endeavors, and the active involvement of political leaders at all levels who can mobilise and support civil society organisations and groups. It is also clear that the personal, community and societal losses associated with the epidemic are both socially and economically unaffordable and ethically unacceptable. These community-based efforts are critical for an effective and sustained response to the epidemic. The theme of this satellite revolves around HIV, development and governance.
Local government can and does contribute to social and economic development in many ways.
For example, through the wise allocation and utilisation of public resources coupled with laws and regulations that together create and maintain a social and economic environment in which human development takes place. Some governments have already come to the realisation that they have to broaden their response to the epidemic and this has to involve the rest of civil society in policy and programme development. There is much to be done. WILL These are the same challenges that many of you have to face in managing transparent and accountable local governments that respond to the epidemic. As Mayors, you need to lend your weight to functions where community activities relating to AIDS occur and NOT just to those that are organised by the City but your other partners as well.