MATERNAL AND NEWBORN HEALTH IN NEW YORK
On the sidelines of the 69th special session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, they came from Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon, Congo, Ghana … … the Organization of African First Ladies against HIV / AIDS (OAFLA), beat the record of its members for a high-level event on maternal and newborn beyond 2014 with a focus on adolescent girls. This Monday, Sept. 22, the Economic and Social Division of the United Nations welcomed many people, hand-picked. Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, the First Lady of Côte d'Ivoire with the Minister of Health and the fight against AIDS was there to make the voice of Côte d'Ivoire heard.
The First Lady of Chad, Mrs. Hinda Deby and President of OPADS reminded the objective of this organization is to engage in advocacy for greater awareness on HIV and AIDS pandemic by using resource mobilization, developing a ruling class and developing measures to improve maternal, newborn and child health. She also testified about her experience in her country, Chad.
The United Nations Secretary-General by a statement read by his wife, Mrs. Ban Soon-Taek has supported this organization. After interactive dialogues with their guests, including renowned artists, the African First Ladies entered into commitments in 8 points.
1- Continue ongoing advocacy to empower women and girls.
2- Also advocate for the introduction of a comprehensive sexual and reproductive education program
3-Collaborate with the commission of the African Union to harmonize national legislation to raise the minimum age of marriage at 18 for young girls.
4-Advocate for "education, leadership and adolescents' capacity development
5-Invite our governments and national institutions to implement law protecting teenagers