5 August 2009 -- The World Health Organization Regional Director for Africa Dr Luis Gomes Sambo was in Gaborone, Botswana on an official visit to the Champions for HIV-Free Generation.

The aim of the visit was to further strengthen collaboration between the two organizations towards the acceleration of HIV prevention in the African region.

Dr Sambo held discussions with the Chairperson of the Champions for an HIV-Free Generation and former President of Botswana, His Excellency Festus Gontebanye Mogae.

Key discussion issues included the need for continued WHO support to the Champions, Sensitization of African Governments and development partners to strengthen the multi-sectoral response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in accordance with the spirit of the Maputo Regional Committee meeting of 2005 which declared 2006, the year for Acceleration of HIV Prevention in the African Region and urged member states to accelerate HIV prevention and to ensure effective leadership and coordination of HIV prevention efforts as well as accelerate the implementation of multisectoral responses (AFR/RC55/R6). The discussions also focused on exploring synergies among other health and development stakeholders in the area of HIV prevention, Mobilization of media and public support towards HIV prevention interventions and on mechanisms to further strengthen collaboration between the two organizations.

The Champions for an HIV-free Generation is an initiative by former Heads of States and other eminent African personalities. The initiative was launched at the 17th International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, August 2008 with the aim of mobilizing African leadership to intensify HIV prevention.

Dr Sambo’s visit ended with a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Honourable Lesego Motsumi who among other things expressed deep appreciation for WHO support. Their brief discussion also centered around strengthening of Health Systems at local level using the Primary Health Care Approach as well as improving Non-communicable diseases control through strengthening of Health Promotion at all levels.