Mr Nelson Mandela’s World AIDS Day message was that all countries and regions need to work together in response to HIV/AIDS. He asked all leaders to set an example in fighting any form of stigma and discrimination.
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Twenty five years into the AIDS epidemic, it is an opportune moment, this World AIDS Day, for all of us to take stock and reflect on both our achievements and our failures, make sense of what works, and move forward boldly in dealing with its continuing devastating impact.
Over the last quarter of a century 25-million people have died as a result of AIDS, and today 40-million people live with HIV. AIDS is an exceptional disease and requires an equally exceptional response.
“AIDS is an exceptional disease and requires an equally exceptional response.” – Nelson Mandela
It requires ongoing leadership at international, national and indeed, at community level. We applaud the increased regional collaboration demonstrated by various bodies around the world.
“ “AIDS is an exceptional disease and requires an equally exceptional response.” ”
One of the greatest challenges we face is gaping – and growing – disparities in the response to HIV between countries and regions around the world. AIDS related stigma and discrimination are pervasive and a real barrier to stopping the expansion of this disease.
The vast majority of the 40-million estimated people living with HIV are unaware of their status. Fear of being stigmatised is a great factor. It requires bold and visible action by top leadership – at all levels of society – to root out this deadly form of discrimination.
It is evident, that as we contemplate the next 25 years of this epidemic, we should remind ourselves that AIDS remains very much a human rights issue. Let me reiterate: we have to act, we have act decisively and above all, we must work together. The answer to turning around the devastating impact of this epidemic lies within us.
Thank you.