First Lady lists OAFLA achievements

THE former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV-AIDS (OAFLA), Namibian First Lady Penehupifo Pohamba, says the organisation attained some significant achievements under her leadership.

Pohamba, who served as OAFLA president from July 2011 to July this year, handed over the office in October 2013 to her successor Deby Itno, Chad’s First Lady.

The OAFLA head office is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Addressing the media on her achievements as OAFLA president in the capital on Thursday, Pohamba noted that she mobilised over N$8 million through fundraising events held locally and at OAFLA level, along with other first ladies.

The Namibian First Lady also mobilised financial assistance from the Joint United Nations’ Programme on HIV-AIDS (UNAIDS) in the amount of over US$400 000 (about N$4,1 million), which was disbursed to member states for PMTCT campaigns.

Pohamba said the member states have worked tirelessly on PMTCT and maternal and child health.

Over 17 OAFLA member states, representing four African regions, received these funds, and have been able to carry out their programmes accordingly.

Pohamba noted that during her reign, OAFLA signed agreements with IPPF and the UNAIDS’ Independent High-Level Task Force, saying OAFLA is about to complete the process of formalising its relationship with the AU.

The First Lady also received a number of awards, amongst them the Ambassador of Peace award presented to her by the Universal Peace Federation in July 2012.

The other important and unique award was the Global Inspirational Leadership Award 2013 for women leaders of Africa-Middle East-Asia.

Pohamba said developing a communication strategy for the OAFLA was crucial in order for the organisation to move forward.

There is a language barrier in OAFLA, but this was partly removed as all staff members on the permanent secretariat have at least a good command of English and French languages.

This made the translation of documents from French and English possible.

She said communication has also been improved through the development of an OAFLA directory and an active and updated website, which enables regular communication between member states and the secretariat office.

Furthermore, there has been a dramatic increase in membership, as well as an improvement in the attendance and participation of First Ladies and their technical advisors in OAFLA meetings.

Established 10 years ago, OAFLA is aimed at advocating for the mobilisation of awareness and resources, as well as the development of leadership, policies, strategies and actions to fight HIV-AIDS at national, regional and global level.

A total of 37 member states are represented by African First Ladies in OAFLA.

– Nampa