Statements and Webcast
Czech Republic
H. E. Ms. Edita Hrda, Permanent Representative
10 June 2011
- Statement: English (Check against delivery)
Statement Summary
EDITA HRDÁ (Czech Republic) said the fight against HIV/AIDS could only be sustainable if it targeted the most at-risk populations — which included drug users, men who had sex with men, and sex workers — as well as geographic areas most affected by the pandemic. Efforts must be linked to the development of strong health systems. For injecting-drug users, the most affected group in her country, there was a need for universal access to harm-reduction strategies. The Czech Republic had included such measures among the four pillars of its 1999 drug policy, which aimed to reduce risks associated with all types of drug use.
She went on to say that the last review of that strategy showed that the Czech Republic was among the most successful countries in achieving low-prevalence of HIV. Attaching great importance to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, especially Goal 6 (combat of HIV/AIDS), she said her country had integrated its HIV response into its broader development strategies, both bilaterally and in close cooperation with UNDP. In closing, she said this week’s High-Level Meeting brought an opportunity to generate political impetus to combat HIV/AIDS.
Source: GA/11093