Mataka noted that all leaders in the country regardless of political affiliation need to pull together to mitigate and halt the spread of the pandemic. Speaking in the Zambia capital of Lusaka, Mataka said that if meaningful impact is to be made in the fight against the disease leaders at community and national level need to spearhead the fight against the pandemic.

She stated it is essential for all leaders to pay close attention to the fact that social pathologies like conflict, poverty, bad cultural practices and gender inequality all contribute to new HIV infections.

Mataka noted the World AIDS Day which falls every December 1, should not just be a reminder of the horrible situation HIV/AIDS has created in the world but it should also be a day for applauding the progress made so far.

She has urged continental governments to resolve any bottlenecks that stand in the way of achieving universal access to ARV’s by 2010. She added that some traditional practices are dangerous and contribute to the spread of HIV and AIDS.

The United Nations special envoy has also called on all traditional leaders to ensure that such practices are discouraged in their communities and good family relationships are maintained.

She urged the youths, families and religious leaders to support comprehensive prevention programmes and encourage their congregations to get involved in every aspect of the HIV and AIDS response.