CHOGM 2007: The Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting

Every two years, Commonwealth leaders meet for a few days to discuss global and Commonwealth issues, and to agree collective policies and initiatives. This year CHOGM was held in Kampala, Uganda from the 23rd-25th November. 16 Presidents and 20 Prime Ministers attended. 

For the official CHOGM 2007 website, click here

The final communiqué of CHOGM2007 was issued from Munyonyo, Kampala as the meeting came to a close on the 25th. Below are the extracts regarding Health and HIV/AIDS:

67. Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the attainment of the health related MDGs, especially improving maternal and child health; and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases. They acknowledged the need to invest in services and prevention tools, including vaccines and microbicides, to contribute towards the goal of universal access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support by 2010. They urged implementation of the political declaration on HIV/AIDS adopted at the 2006 UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS.

68. They recognised that the crisis in human resources available to the health sector is a major challenge to achieving the MDGs; acknowledged the role of the Commonwealth Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health Workers; supported the health systems strengthening approach of the International Health Partnership and urged the Secretariat to continue supporting primary health care systems.

 69. They noted the rising burden of chronic diseases on health systems and welcomed the Action Plan on Non-Communicable Diseases adopted by CARICOM in their 2007 Port of Spain Declaration. They also acknowledged the need for accessible, affordable appropriate medicines and action to combat counterfeit drugs.

For a short report on Malaria Consortium Africa's activities during CHOGM, click here