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The UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday called on all African leaders to ensure that men assume full responsibiliy in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
"Obviously, each society will have to approach this in its own way, taking into account its own culture and organisations," Annan said.
Speaking at the close of a three-day Franco-African summit in Paris, Annan noted that there were African countries which have demonstrated that this can be done.
"From Senegal to Uganda and Botswana [they are] taking very seriously the issue. All around the continent, there are good practices that one can learn from," Annan said.
Annan also stressed the plight of Africa's women.
"When I plead with leaders that we should empower women, we should respect their rights, we should give them the opportunity to take charge of their own lives, help them in doing that, I would hope that this is something that you plug back into national policies," Annan said.
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