2011 World AIDS Day Message. Michel Sidibе.
2011 World AIDS Day Message
Game changing year
1 December 2011
Michel Sidibe
Executive Director of UNAIDS
Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
Never before in the history of AIDS have we reached a moment where we are able to stand up and say with conviction the end of AIDS is in sight.
It has been a year of achievements, of collective action, of resilience and of courage. In spite of the economic downturn that has stretched the AIDS response to its limits, millions of lives have been saved, as HIV treatment and prevention efforts continue to show results.
World leaders have made new promises—bold, tangible and realistic. These promises now must be delivered in every country, every community and to every person in need.
Fortunately, leaders are standing up to say that an AIDS-free generation is possible and that no child should be born with HIV and no mother should die of AIDS.
The gulf between treatment and prevention has ended. Treatment is prevention.
The divide between health and AIDS has narrowed, as AIDS comes out of isolation and into integrated and holistic health services. The AIDS response has paved the path for a peoplecentred health delivery system, one that values and restores the respect and dignity of every individual.
The road before us is clear and we can accelerate ahead with smart investments, capitalizing on scientific advancements and evidence and respecting human rights. It is why world leaders must fully fund the AIDS response. The global investment target of US$ 22-24 billion is a shared responsibility—of all countries, donors and others. Only together can we secure the future and provide greater and long-term dividends.
Today, on this World AIDS Day, I call upon leaders, communities, parents, people living with HIV and young people to look forward and work towards a world with Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths.
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Executive Director of UNAIDS
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World AIDS Day message from UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on December 1, 2011
2011 has been a year of achievements. Millions of lives have been saved as HIV treatment and prevention efforts show results. World leaders have made new promises.
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> United Nations (UN).
The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 by 51 countries committed to preserving peace through international cooperation and collective security. Today, nearly every nation in the world belongs to the UN: membership totals 192 countries.
When States become Members of the United Nations, they agree to accept the obligations of the UN Charter, an international treaty that sets out basic principles of international relations. According to the Charter, the UN has four purposes:
- to maintain international peace and security;
- to develop friendly relations among nations;
- to cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights;
- and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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* The above story is adapted from materials provided by United Nations (UN)
** More information at United Nations (UN)
