SADC NGO council wants AIDS prioritised

SOUTHERN AFRICA: SADC NGO council wants AIDS prioritised

JOHANNESBURG, 19 Aug 2005 (PLUSNEWS) - A Southern African Development Community (SADC) civil society organ says heads of state and government should make HIV/AIDS a priority issue in the region.

In a communiqué issued on Tuesday, the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations called for the pandemic to be addressed with "a sense of urgency, with increased financial and human resources".

"Governments should also improve access to health by strengthening health delivery systems," the council recommended.

Among other requests, the SADC NGOs are pushing for adequate food provision and the right of women to have control over their bodies regarding sexual and reproductive health matters.

[ENDS]

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