Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - November 30, 2005
"This is no time to be complacent - we have not seen the worst of the HIV pandemic yet," says Juan Manuel Suarez del Toro, President of the International Federation.
"People living with and affected by the disease are crucial players to challenging the spread and effects of the pandemic. Governments need to be vigilant in protecting people living with HIV/AIDS against discrimination that drives them underground and away from crucial services."
On World AIDS day the Red Cross and Red Crescent urges all 189 governments who signed the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS Declaration of Commitment, in 2001, to fulfill their promises. A comprehensive review of the Declaration of Commitment is currently underway in all countries and in 2006, governments will be called upon to report on progress made.
"On this World AIDS Day, let us lead by example and renew our commitment to challenge HIV-related discrimination wherever it may occur and come closer to people living with HIV/AIDS," adds Suarez del Toro.
Using its 'Come closer...' campaign, the International Federation and Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world further encourage communities to come closer to people living with HIV/AIDS and embrace them as meaningful and contributing members of society. To mark the day they will organize events and activities with their partner organizations of people living with HIV/AIDS.
The 'Come closer...' campaign, with anti-stigma messages such as 'Hug! Hug! You cannot get HIV by hugging' aims to dispel myths and fears about HIV transmission so that communities understand it is perfectly safe to come closer to people living with HIV/AIDS.
"In 2005, the Red Cross and Red Crescent has led by example by coming even closer to our partner organisations of people living with HIV/AIDS. We are moving away from mere intentions of working with people living with HIV/AIDS, to equal partnerships and joint workplans," says Dr. Asha Mohamed Chair of the International Federation's Health and Community Services Commission.
The 'Come closer...' campaign was featured at the Eurovision Song Contest events in Ukraine in May this year, as well as other fora, like the International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific, in Japan.
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