On the occasion of World AIDS Day. Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser.
On the occasion of World AIDS Day
STATEMENT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE SPOKESPERSON FOR
THE PRESIDENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
United Nations, New York, 1 December 2011
We commemorate World AIDS Day this year with hope and optimism.
Thirty years since the first case of AIDS was reported, HIV has infected 64 million people from all parts of the world. No country has been spared. The epidemic has caused 30 million deaths so far. Fortunately, we have seen significant progress over the last few years.
The unprecedented mobilization and commitment of the international community to tackle the epidemic have produced tangible results. According to the most recent data, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epidemic.
The theme of the 2011 World AIDS Day – “Getting to Zero” – reflects both optimism and the need to do much more.
The challenges ahead of us are sobering. While more than 6.5 million people now receive lifesaving treatment, 7.6 million still have no access to it. In 2010 alone, 1.8 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses, and there were 2.7 million new HIV infections. Donor funding for HIV prevention and treatment in low- and middle-income countries has declined due to the financial crisis.
The United Nations General Assembly has been at the forefront of the efforts against the epidemic. In the face of formidable challenges, the General Assembly adopted the Political Declaration on HIV and AIDS: Intensifying Our Efforts to Eliminate HIV and AIDS at the High-level meeting on 8-10 June 2011. The Declaration reaffirmed the strong political commitment and set new bold goals to reverse the epidemic.
We cannot allow hard-won gains to unravel. Today, I call on all stakeholders to uphold their commitments, and to work together to sustain and accelerate the progress. Let us all work together towards the noble vision of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS-related death and zero discrimination.
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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)
