Africa forum 2006 held here on how to deal with the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity called for establishing strategic linkages and partnerships in order to create synergy of action and to maximize impact on poverty and vulnerability in Africa.

The participants from over 20 African countries adopted a Lusaka declaration 2006 on the dual epidemics of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity at the end of the five-day forum.

The declaration called for promoting and supporting effective and proper decentralization strategies to empower African communities to realize their full potential in their fighting against the dual epidemics, as well as transfer of knowledge and skills on how to deal with the epidemics

It urged African governments to review policies in a participatory and transparent manner to ensure that they include coordinated and integrated programming and HIV/AIDS interventions at all levels.

The participants also called on the governments to develop an effective monitoring system to ensure that funds provided are used to address needs identified by the communities.

The declaration urged UN agencies to develop and foster the implementation of plans for dissemination and utilization of policies, guidelines and protocols at ground levels, and support longer-term strategies to address food insecurity facing Africa.

According to the declaration, 25 million people died of AIDS by the end of 2005, at least 40 million others are now living with HIV, with the majority living in sub-Saharan Africa.

"In this context it is crucial that we address both food and nutrition security," said the declaration.

The Africa forum 2006 has provided an important opportunity for participants from 22 African countries to share experiences in integrating HIV/AIDS, food security and nutrition programming, both to strengthen collective efforts as well as to inform policy decisions based on frontline realties.

Source: Xinhua