Assembly/AU/4(XI) Page 2 leadership have ensured better implementation, advocacy and mobilization of resources. Concerning the burden of disease, HIV/AIDS is still more prevalent in countries South of the Sahara, and TB is more uniformly spread but influenced by prevalence of HIV/AIDS; while Malaria affects mainly tropical and sub-tropical countries. Prevalence rates for HIV/AIDS have, in general been reduced due to multi-sectoral interventions and also because of better monitoring and data collection tools. The malaria burden has declined due to efforts by Member States and international partners. Prevalence, incidence and death rates of TB continue to increase in many countries, partially due to inadequate or delayed notification. However, drug and multi-drug resistant and extensively drug resistant TB is more prevalent than generally indicated, this may be due to weak laboratory and human resources capacity. All countries have separate coordinating bodies and/or programmes for each of the three diseases. Since all interventions depend on strong health systems, emphasis has been laid on this strategy all round. The chronic shortage of health workers is, timely and still a thorn in the flesh of development of health systems in Africa. Thanks to the increased support by the international community, access to funding for prevention, treatment care and support has improved significantly. However, financing needs to be more predictable and sustainable. As a long-term strategy to promote access to affordable medicines and commodities, Member States, RECs and Regional Health Organizations should collaborate in the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plan for Africa. Adoption of combination therapies as first line of treatment for the three diseases for efficacy and to prevent the development of resistance to medicines is a positive strategy, although not yet universally utilized. Poverty reduction and the need to address these diseases as a human rights issue need more attention. Partnerships at all levels have been further developed but require better coordination and harmonization of programmes. Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting are areas that need serious attention. In conclusion, although a lot has been achieved to implement the 2006 Abuja commitments towards on universal access to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria Services in Africa, “much more remains to be done”. The collective efforts of all stakeholders should be scaled up. There is no room for complacency, otherwise the achievements of the past few years will be forfeited, with dire consequences.