The launching ceremony opens with the national
anthem.
President Jammeh shares photo opportunity with
representatives of UNICEF, UN System, Vice President Njie-Saidy,
secretaries of state, the National Assembly deputy speaker and
child representatives.
Statehouse
photos, Sulayman
Gassama
Earlier News Reports available at Archives
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PRESIDENT JAMMEH LAUNCHES
THE "UNITE FOR CHILDREN, UNITE AGAINST AIDS CAMPAIGN
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30th November 2005:
The President Alhaji Yahya Jammeh on Wednesday Novemer 30th, launched
a campaign designed to protect children against HIV/AIDS. The Campaign
with the slogan “Unite for children Unite against AIDS”
is a global programme spearheaded by UNICEF, UNAIDS and other partners
worldwide. It aims to highlight the impact of HIV/AIDS on children
and how to give more attention to protecting them from the pandemic.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, President
Jammeh described the campaign as a reminder that AIDS is real and
requires the participation of all to stop its spread. He said HIV/AIDS
remains the biggest threat to mankind and national development efforts.
The Gambian leader noted that children are the most affected group
and therefore need all the protection and support against the disease.
He said his government will ensure that children orphaned by AIDS
have the rights to education, nutrition and health.
The resident coordinator of the UN System Dr. Nester Shevute stressed
the need for strong partnership in order to attain the goals of
the campaign.
The UNICEF Country representative Cheryl Gregory Faye said the campaign
should ensure that HIV/AIDS is eradicated within this generation.
Mrs. Faye said there is no need for complacency even through the
prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS is relatively low in the Gambia. A child
representative Musu Bakoto Saho appealed for collective efforts
to protect children from the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She also called
for protection of children against all forms of abuse. She commended
President Jammeh for his continued commitment to the welfare and
wellbeing of Children. The campaign is an intensive five year programme
designed to reduce new infections by 50% among children and young
people and to provide more services to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The launch came barely one day before the Gambia joins the rest
of the world to observe World AIDS Day.
Full text
of President Jammeh's keynote address
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President's Pledge for the Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign
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