Nigerian, Ugandan First Ladies Pledge To Work Jointly on HIV/AIDS Issues
Ugandan first lady Janet Museveni and Nigerian first lady Turai Umaru Yar'Adua last week pledged to work together to address HIV/AIDS in their countries, the New Vision/AllAfrica.com reports. The pledge was made in the Nigerian capital of Abuja during Museveni's four-day official visit to the country. Yar'Adua and Museveni were speaking with members of the Nigerian National Women Coalition on AIDS.
According to Yar'Adua, Nigeria and Uganda share several factors that contribute to the spread of HIV, including the fact that poverty, famine, malnutrition and other diseases are widespread in both countries. She added that addressing such issues jointly would work to the advantage of both nations. Yar'Adua also committed to working with Museveni through the Organisation of First Ladies of Africa Against AIDS.
In addition, Museveni said that more serious HIV/AIDS strategies are needed in Africa, with a focus on prevention. "HIV/AIDS has continued to thrive because we have failed to protect ourselves and our children," she said, adding, "We have failed to exercise self control, say no to premarital sex and live faithfully in marriage as embodied in our cultures" (New Vision/AllAfrica.com, 11/21).