United Nations Special Envoy on HIV/ AIDS in Africa Elizabeth Mataka has called for sustained efforts to prevent the further spread of the pandemic on the African continent following the release of a report which has shown that Africa has shown stability in HIV/AIDS cases.

A global report released by UNAIDS this week revealed that the number of new HIV infections is almost one-fifth lower than it was a decade ago with the biggest epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa having either stabilized or showing signs of decline.

According to the report, in 33 countries, HIV incidences have fallen by more than 25 percent between 2001 and 2009, with 22 of these countries being in sub-Saharan Africa. "We need to pursue all necessary efforts to scale up nationally- driven sustainable and comprehensive responses to prevention programs, treatment, care and support," the UN envoy said here Saturday in a statement obtained by Xinhua.

In her message ahead of the World AIDS Day which falls on December 1 whose theme is "Universal Access and Human Rights", the UN envoy said the theme should be a cornerstone or response to the HIV/AIDS fight, adding that the theme is a reminder of promises by the governments made in 2006 to embrace all of humanity without discrimination in any form.

"This promise recognizes the human being in all of us, entitled to all basic human rights and more importantly, the recognition of these rights irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, beliefs and any other consideration," she added.