We, the Mayors and Municipal leaders of the Republic of Zambia, having taken cognizance of the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and the significant impact on our cities, towns and villages, under the auspices of the Local Government Association of Zambia (LGAZ), join our government and other Local Authorities in Africa and Launch the Zambian Chapter of Alliance of Mayors and Municipal Leaders on HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Considering that local government, as an integral part of the national structure of governance, is the level of government closest to the people and, therefore, well placed to respond to the many challenges posed by HIV/AIDS

Honouring the resolution during the 46th Annual Conference of the Local Government calling for a commitment towards efforts to support and coordinate the eradication of HIV/AIDS and gender disparities in our cities, towns and villages.

Recognizing and supporting the National Strategic Framework to promote mulit-sectoral HIV/AIDS Programmes in Zambia

Believe that the Private Sector is a key partner in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Expressing deep concern about the increase in orphans, street children, widows/widowers in our cities, towns and villages, acknowledge the impact on sustainable development

Acknowledging that poverty, in all of its manifestations, contributes to the spread of HIV/AIDS; local authorities are deeply concerned that HIV/AIDS is compounding poverty, reversing development gains and compromising the future development of our country

Recognizing that the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all is an essential element in an effective response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, including in the areas of prevention, cares, support and treatment, an that it reduces vulnerability to HIV/AIDS and prevents stigma and related discrimination against people living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS

Convinced that all Local Councils in Zambia need to develop and implement policies and strategies appropriate to the specific HIV/AIDS related social, economic, developmental, cultural, human rights and health dimensions in our communities.

To this end we have agreed to:

• Contribute to the reduction of the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS in our cmmunities by implementing effective measures to reduce HIV transmission
• Promote co-ordinated local multi-sectoral approaches for HIV/AIDS prevention and care of infected and affected people
• Participate in efforts to mobilize the necessary human and financial resources to implement local strategies
• Ensure the active involvement of people infected and affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in designing and implementing
• Strengthen solidarity amongst our cities, towns, villages and developing effective partnerships with national and international public and private stakeholders.

We, therefore commit ourselves to:

• Ensuring that the search for an effective solution to HIV/AIDS is a public policy priority
• Effectively involving our citizens in designing action plans, defining local strategies, an implementing activities
• Providing the necessary institutional support to our cities, towns and local communities and strengthen their capacity to intervene
• Guaranteeing transparency and accountability in programme management
  

Signed in Lusaka, August 2002