Population Factor remains at Center of Bleak Image of Africa: OAU

Addis Ababa, Feb. 11(Ena)-- High population growth, coupled with unstable political, social and economic climate were factors that jeopardized the socio-economic situation of African countries, Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) said.

Ambassador Laurence Agubuzu said the population factor is at the center of low levels of development, persistent economic stagnation, natural and man-made disasters, high levels of poverty, political stability, civil strifes and degradation of the environment.

Ambassador Agubuzu was speaking at the opening here on Monday of the 4th General Assembly of the African Population Commission (APC), which brought together members to deal with the theme: Mobilizing Political Commitment for National Actions to address HIV/AIDS, Youth and Migration.

Communicable diseases have scourged Africa for centuries and hampered its socio-economic development, Agubuzu said, adding that on a background of poor and unhealthy populations, the emergence of HIV/AIDS found fertile ground to spread unhindered.

Agubuzu, who was speaking on behalf of the OAU Secretary General, urged members of the commission to discuss and make recommendations on how APC could operationalize the declarations and resolutions adopted by OAU Member States on HIV/AIDS, poverty alleviation and other population issues.

APC was established in 1994 with the aim, among others, of increasing political awareness on the implications of the current population trends on national socio-economic development efforts, contributing towards the implementation of population policies in member states.

The General Assembly is the main policy organ of the APC and is constituted the highest officials of National population commissions and/or similar institutions of the OAU Member States, which are in attendance at the meeting.

The meeting is expected to enhance commitments to population activities for sustainable development in Africa and to promote the implementation of declarations made earlier in major continental and international meetings.

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