‘WE ARE NOT POWERLESS IN FACE OF DISEASE’, SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL IN VIDEO MESSAGE

TO SADDLEBACK CIVIL FORUM ON GLOBAL HEALTH, IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

 

Following is the text of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message, taped on 25 November, for Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health, in Washington, D.C., today, 1 December:

It is a great pleasure to send greetings to this forum.

AIDS continues to be one of the most devastating epidemics in history.

The disease is still one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, and is the number one killer in Africa.

Yet, there has also been remarkable progress.  Fewer people are being infected.  Fewer people are dying.  We are making inroads against stigma and discrimination.

We have to maintain this momentum.

We must protect people from the impact of the global financial crisis.  Cutbacks in treatment and research would have devastating consequences.

The need to lead on AIDS is as real and urgent as ever.

I congratulate [ United States] President [George W.] Bush on his legacy of leadership in this fight.

The President’s emergency plan for AIDS relief has made it possible for people in countries hardest hit by the disease to receive treatment.

The United States is now the largest contributor to the global response, and will spend $48 billon over the next five years not only on AIDS, but also malaria and tuberculosis.

We are not powerless in face of disease.  I pledge to do my utmost in this struggle, and I will count on you to join me.

Your engagement and support can mean the difference between life and death for millions of people around the world.  Thank you very much.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record