Press Release
UNICEF and UNAIDS Launch Global Campaign in The Gambia
BANJUL, 30 November 2005 - Over 200 people including members of cabinet, the diplomatic community, and heads of government departments joined UNICEF, UNAIDS and other partners to launch the Global Campaign, UNITE for CHILDREN UNITE AGAINST AIDS, with the President of The Gambia today. The campaign focuses on the enormous impact of HIV/AIDS on children. In the Gambia, the prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS infection is comparatively low, about 2 percent; however, there are between 7,000-10,000 children orphaned by AIDS. Fewer than 5 per cent of HIV-positive children receive treatment and many more go without support.
UNICEF places on record that children affected by the disease are the "missing face" of AIDS - missing not only from global and national policy discussions on HIV/AIDS, but also lacking access to even the most basic care and prevention services. Thousands of children are missing parents, schooling, health care, basic protection and many of the other fundamentals of childhood because of the toll the disease is taking.
The Gambian President, Alhagie Yahya Jammeh, who launched the campaign, said that HIV/AIDS was like a torrent rushing fast and growing stronger and it must be stopped. "We have to move towards more practical and meaningful solutions and create the necessary protective environment free of HIV/AIDS for our children."
UNICEF Representative, Cheryl Gregory Faye emphasized the importance of promising results for children, and not promising promises. She also cautioned against complacency, and reminded the head of government agencies, civil society and the private sector that time was not on The Gambia's side. "Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve and too short for those who grow. Time is not on our side, so we must act now. Children are the living messages that we send to a time that we will not see."
The launching, which was attended by Secretaries of State (Ministers), members of the National Assembly (Parliament), heads of corporations, NGOs, youth and religious organizations and the media, was followed by a National Consultation focusing on the key areas identified for action over the next five years globally, as well as within the national context.
- Prevention of mother-to-child transmission
- Pediatric treatment
- Prevention
- Protection and support of children affected by AIDS
A National Consultation, which brought together religious leaders, media, heads of government agencies, the national AIDS Secretariat, people living with HIV, the youth and children, the private sector, NGOs, UN agencies, produced a joint call to action for the campaign over the next five years. The forum was officially closed by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs. Belinda Bidwell.
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For nearly 60 years UNICEF has been the world's leader for children, working on the ground in 157 countries to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for poor countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For further information and interviews, please contact:
Jeggan Grey-Johnson
UNICEF Assistant Communication Officer
Telephone: (220) 4-49.47.60
Facsimile: (220) 4-49.47.87
Mobile: (220) 9.96.04.20
Email: jgreyjohnson@unicef.org
