By DOH JAMES SONKEY
The pan African humanitarian None Governmental Organisation dubbed African Synergy against AIDS and Suffering is 22 years old. Its 22nd anniversary was observed last November 16, 2024 in a special way with the release of a special message from the Founding President, Cameroon’s First Lady, Chantal Biya.
She described November 16, 2002 to November 16, 2024 as 2 decades and 2 years of resilience and determination at the forefront in the fight against HIV/AIDs, while addressing other problems faced by people in the world, and Africa in particular. Chantal Biya said African Synergy Against AIDs and Suffering is set to continue its noble cause for the most disadvantaged in society, while telling a different story about HIV/AIDs which is void of stigmatisation, discrimination coupled with a better living condition for those infected or affected by the virus.
The Founding President of African Synergy said it is 22 years on, and the flame lit on that day in November 2002 is still bright as ever.
“The challenges to be overcome, are as numerous as ever and the need to act together is more topical than ever”, declares Chantal Biya, before using the occasion to recall the creation of the association alongside other First Ladies of Africa. It was and still is a platform for advocacy and action for the health and well-being of people on the African continent.
Chantal Biya and her “sisters” from other African countries could not bear to watch the manner in which HIV/AIDS was ravaging their compatriots. Hence, the urgent need to create African Synergy Against HIV-AIDS.
22 years later, Cameroon’s First Lady says Africa has still not become the paradise they had hoped for. However, it is clear that African Synergy has fully and completely played its part. As Founding President of African Synergy, Chantal Biya is particularly proud of the chain of active solidarity created across Africa in a bid to curb HIV and Sufferings.
Still counting, the Pan African association has been able to make significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS. With emphasis on young people, programmes such as AIDS-Free Holidays, AIDS-Free Campus, my bet for 2030, continue to take place each year, she stated. The association has also taken decisive action to promote and protect women’s rights, combat violence and all forms of discrimination against women etc.