A stronger advocacy role needs to be developed, both at a political and pastoral level. Moral, financial and technical support must be intensified. At a pastoral level, ecumenical structures must be established to enhance community-based responses, especially with regard to care and support of orphans and vulnerable youth. Four well-researched papers had been prepared on these issues and been distributed to the participants prior to the meeting. These themes were particularly emphasized in relation to strategies identified aimed at improving access to HIV-related drugs and therapies.
Poverty undermines the enjoyment of all human rights and impacts on the epidemic in various ways.
There is high level political commitment in countries and several positive actions have been taken by governments. National mobilization of stakeholders across various sectors is taking place resulting in active involvement of new groups of actors and increased availability of resources. The greater partnership approach of the IPPA was endorsed as the appropriate direction at global and national levels. Discussion - African governments must be more decisive and provide leadership also in organizing donors and proper use of resources in countries. Under this programme, countries met recently in Pretoria and outlined their requirements.