The Abuja +12 declaration: implications for HIV response in Africa

Heads of State and Governments of the Organization of African Unity now the African Union (AU) met in April 2001 at a Special Summit held in Abuja to address the challenges of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other related infectious diseases in Africa. In May 2006, at the Special Summit under the theme: "Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Services by 2010", the African Union Heads of States and Governments adopted the "Abuja Call for Accelerated Action towards Universal Access to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Services in Africa" and related commitments thus reaffirming earlier commitments. In July 2013, African leaders once again gathered in Abuja for the Abuja +12 summit, which focused on the theme 'Ownership, Accountability and Sustainability of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Africa: Past, Present and the Future'. At the meeting, African leaders noted the tremendous progress that has been made in addressing HIV and AIDS, and made further commitments to effectively tackle the HIV epidemic on the continent. This article presents a critical look at each of these commitments and makes recommendations that would assist African countries in developing policies to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the region.