African Union adopts resolution of violence and health
Resolution on violence and health
8-7-2003: In early July 2003, 52 African Heads of State who are gathered in Maputo adopted a resolution encouraging governments to respond to violence in all its forms as a priority public health challenge for countries in the region. The African Union resolution endorses in their entirety the nine recommendations of the World report on violence and health. Among other issues these urge Member States to implement multi-sectoral national plans of action, to promote primary prevention programmes including investment in social development, and to improve services for victims of violence. Member States also declared the year 2005 the "Africa Year of Prevention of Violence", during which they commit to scaling up their efforts to prevent violence and reduce its harmful consequences.