The 24th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union continued for a second day yesterday. The Council in its second day meeting adopted the five items proposed by member countries. Ethiopia's proposal to for the establishment of Establishment of an African Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (African CDCP) was among the proposals adopted by the Council. Speaking to the Council, Ethiopia's Health Minister Dr.Kestebirhan Admassu, noted that the establishment of the Center will help to coordinate continent wide efforts of tackling health problems and enhances Africa's self reliance in disease prevention and control. The other items are: Adoption of the implementation of the Integrated African Strategy for the Seas and Oceans 2050 (Strategy AIM 2050), Extension of the Pan African E Network Project within the Frameworks of Partnership between India and Africa, Evaluation of Ouagadougou 2004 Declaration and Plan of Action on employment and the fight against poverty and the adoption of the Encyclopedia Africana Project. [Read More]

Last week, people around the world gathered to recognize World AIDS Day, honor those whose lives have been lost to this tragic disease, reflect on the tremendous strides being made, and recommit to achieving an AIDS-free generation.  As I arrived in South Africa to help open the 17th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA), we also noted the passing of a great leader and champion, Nelson Mandela, whose personal leadership and outspoken courage helped to break the silence surrounding HIV/AIDS, and brought hope and inspiration to millions of people living with the disease. - See more at: http://blogs.state.gov/stories/2013/12/12/week-inspiration-and-hope. [Read More]