SOURCE: AF-AIDS is the regional forum on HIV/AIDS in Africa, coordinated by the Health & Development Networks Moderation Team (HDN, www.hdnet.org) with technical support from Health Systems Trust (HST) on behalf of the AF-AIDS Steering Committee (HST, HDN & SAfAIDS), with the support of the Government of Ireland. Reproduction welcomed provided source is cited as follows: AF-AIDS eForum 2003: af-aids@healthdev.net Africa-wide action to improve access to HIV/AIDS treatment -PATAM (Pan-Africa Treatment Access Movement) ****************** Throughout the world, approximately 42 million people are living with HIV/AIDS of which, the majority, 28 million, live in Africa. Although medications exist which can prolong life and ensure that People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) lead a normal and productive lie, these drugs are not yet accessible or available to many people in Africa. Some of the barriers to access to treatment include a lack of political will, refusal of donors, resistance from pharamceutical companies, structural adjustment programme such as those driven by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund and debt requirements to rich countries. All of these barriers hinder a country's ability to provide the necessary social and health services required to fully address HIV and AIDS In several countries, activists have taken a leading role as advocates for the rights of PLWHAs. For example, the Treatment Action Campaign in South Africa is well known for its demonstrations and challenges to the South African government. Sharing the experiences of TAC at a recent discussion forum, hosted by SAfAIDS (Southern African HIV/AIDS Information Dissemination Serivce) and HIVOS in Harare, Zackie Achmat, co-chair of TAC, said that their efforts had been 'demanding', yet that they had succeeded in lobbying the government to improve access to treatment. Achmat highlighted that the need for access treatment did not end with South Africa, but extends throughout all countries in Africa. Achmat challenged individuals in Zimbabwe and other African countries to work with their governments to develop similar plans of action to address the pandemic. Recognising the need for an Africa-wide movement, a Pan- African Treatment Access Movement (PATAM) has been founded. Zackie Achmat of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) of South Africa, and Milly Katana, lobbying and advocay officer of the Health Rights Action Group in Uganda were among the founders. PATAM is a social movement comprised of individuals and organisations dedicated to mobilising communities, political leaders and all sectors of society to ensure access to anti-retorviral therapy, as a fundamental part of comprehensive care for all people living with HIV and AIDS in Africa. Since its inauguration on August 22, 2002, the movement has been growing. "We are angry. Our people are dying. We can no longer accept millions of needless AIDS deaths simply because we are poor Africans. We know ARV treatment is feasible in our countries and are launching a movement to demand ARV treatment that won't take no for an answer," Milly Katana, lobbying and advocacy officer of the Health Rights Action Group in Uganda. PATAM has been establishing a community-based response to HIV/AIDS that places PLWHAs at the centre of the movement. By mobilising communities, political leaders and all sectors of society, PATAM aims to ensure access to ARV treatment for all who need it. " We are united in our commitment to ensure that millions of lives are saved on our continent. The role of the Movement is to hold national and international bodies accountable to obligations such as the immedia development and implementation of national HIV/AIDS treatment plans, " Zackie Achmat of the Treatment Action Campaign, South Africca. On March 4-6, PATAM will be hosting its third regional conference on Access to Treatment in Harare, Zimbabwe. African AIDS activists will participate in the conference, which will hosted by SAfAIDS, ZAHA (Zimbabwe Activists Against AIDS) and the Centre. The conference will explore strategies to address the challenges and barriers preventing access to treatment throughout the continent. Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that people have access to treatment. HIV/AIDS is an epidemic that is affecting everyone in southern Africa. At the discussion forum, Achmat emphasised that " it is always important for all races to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS is we are going to realise any success." For the future of the southern African region, it is essential that everyone work together, speak out and fight for access to treatment. For more information, please contact: Believe Dhliwayo Conference Steering Committee Email: believe@safaids.org.zw Matilda Moyo Email: matilda@mwengo.org.zw