Share Experiences, Take Next Steps Together, Says Secretary-General

 

in Message for International AIDS Conference

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’svideo message for the nineteenth International Aids Conference in Washington, D.C., on 22 July:

Excellencies, friends and colleagues, I am pleased to convey my warmest greetings to the global AIDS community.

When I joined you in Mexico in 2008, I was inspired by your commitment and energy.  You have made a real difference in the lives of millions affected by HIV/AIDS.

One year ago, guided by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and your wisdom, the United Nations General Assembly set ambitious targets for 2015:  to cut new infections by half; to expand treatment to 15 million people; to ensure that no child is born with HIV.  We can achieve these targets if we refocus, re-energize our mission and invest more resources.

Let us share experiences and take the next steps together.  I will support you.  I will continue to advocate for universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support.  I will continue to press the drug industry for access to affordable life-saving medicine.  I will continue to ask nations to respect and protect the rights of all those living with or vulnerable to HIV — and to work with me to fulfil the promise of an AIDS-free generation by 2015.

UNAIDS, led by Michel Sidibé, will continue to mobilize political action.  We have a vision:  no new HIV infections; no AIDS-related deaths; no stigma and discrimination.

This week you can help to turn the tide.  Let us start the end of AIDS — now.

Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record