AEGiS-UNAIDS: 2008 World AIDS Day statements

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

2008 World AIDS Day statements

UNAIDS - November 30, 2008

1 December 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

This year’s theme is “Lead – Empower – Deliver" Designating leadership as the theme provides an opportunity to highlight both political leadership and celebrate leadership that has been witnessed at all levels of society. To mark the day, the United Nations Secretary General, the Executive Director of UNAIDS and UNAIDS Cosponsors and partners speak out in special World AIDS Day statements.


UNAIDS Executive Director Dr. Peter Piot World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008
Press play to start
"Let’s not forget that AIDS is not over anywhere. Indeed, on World AIDS Day 2008, there are as many reasons for concern as for celebration." Read the UNAIDS Executive Director's message ( en \| es \| fr \| ru )
Other World AIDS Day messages:

	Director-General of UNESCO Mr. Koichiro Matsuura Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 “The world is, at last, making some real progress in its response to AIDS, confirmed in the UNAIDS 2008 Report on the global AIDS epidemic.” Read the full statement

	UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya Ahmed Obaid Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 “Today, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, we pay tribute to the leaders in communities and nations who have promoted greater awareness and action to address the AIDS pandemic. If there is one lesson learned over the years, it is that success in responding to the HIV epidemic requires sustained leadership, community engagement and the involvement of people living with HIV.” Read the UNFPA Executive Director's message ( ar \| en \| es \| fr)

	Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for AIDS in Africa Elizabeth Mataka Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 “World AIDS day should not just be a reminder of the horrible situation HIV and AIDS has created in the world and in particular sub Saharan Africa, but it should also be a day for applauding the progress that we have made so far.” Read the full statement

	UNAIDS Special Representative Michael Ballak Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 “As an athlete, I compete on the field. But off the field, we must team up and unite in the struggle against AIDS. There are no second chances when you are playing with your life. On this day, the 20th anniversary of World Aids Day, I urge you to make AIDS your business and unite with your peers and join us in being smart and helping protect ourselves as well as others. ”

	UNAIDS Special Representative Salman Ahmad Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 "On December 1, 2008 we will mark the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day. As more and more people are globally connected to each other through technology, sharing the power of a good idea can help bring about transformational change on our planet rapidly. As a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, I pledge my continuing support to help raise awareness and to shine a light on all the unsung heroes and organisations who have joined UNAIDS to "Lead, Empower and Deliver" the world to an HIV/AIDS free future. Together we can provide hope, knowledge, treatment and compassion to all people living with HIV."

	UNAIDS Special Representative HRH Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 "We need national and global leaders to fulfil their commitment to secure universal access to prevention, treatment and care. But today, 26 year after the virus was discovered, we also need to secure leadership for the future. Youth leadership is a key factor in the fight against AIDS. We need youth to follow up and intensify the efforts to stop and reverse the spread of HIV. In my AIDS related work, I meet remarkable young people who have the energy, courage and stamina to address sensitive issues – and to put pressure on those in power. Still, most important of all: We must give voice to those who are affected, and empower more of them to take leadership. They are the most important contributors in the fight against AIDS. What I have learned about this issue, I have mostly learned from positive people. It is their voices, experience and their expertise we need for sustainable and lasting change. I will encourage leaders on all levels to seek broad partnership and join forces. Only then can we truly lead, empower – and deliver.”

	Executive Director, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Dr Michel Kazatchkine Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2008 “Twenty years after the first World AIDS Day, we have come a long way. Leadership at both the international and national levels has generated the resources to build treatment and prevention programs that are saving lives and showing evidence of impact on the disease. Millions of people have benefited thanks to these efforts. However, the latest UNAIDS report on the global AIDS epidemic shows that HIV/AIDS is still a major health burden. We must all continue our work to prevent the disease from spreading further, to make sure that people living with AIDS have access to treatment and care and to ensure that resources are available to deliver on the promises of the international community”

081130
UN081127

Copyright © 2008 - Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). All rights reserved. UNAIDS articles, which are not formal publications of UNAIDS, may be freely reviewed, quoted, reproduced or translated, in part or in full, provided the source is acknowledged. The documents may not be sold or used in conjunction with commercial purposes without prior written approval from UNAIDS (contact: UNAIDS Information Centre).

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .