|
Today I join the global community in recognizing the millions of persons
living with HIV and those affected by this disease. The world rejoices
at the tantalizing prospects of an AIDS Free Generation that was
unimaginable a generation ago. At the same time, the recently released
UNAIDS 2012 Report portrays relatively optimistic trends for the
Caribbean. Yet we are cautioned by the reality that biomedical and behavioural tools still have to be
brought to scale and that scarce resources and the persistence of stigma
and discrimination are impediments to this dream. There is therefore
need to redouble our efforts to strengthen the health systems’ response,
advance treatment to prevent AIDS, embed sexual and reproductive health
and rights into the human rights agenda and eliminate mother to child
transmission. These require creative and collective leadership, shared
responsibility in public/private partnerships, and the engagement of all
stakeholders-- advocates, scientists, policy makers, celebrities,
philanthropists, parliamentarians, faith leaders, media workers and
youth -- as champions for change. Herein lies the hope of truly getting
to Zero.
Edward Greene, UN Secretary General Special Envoy for HIV in the Caribbean
|
|
Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 May 2013 09:26 |
News
