Mr. President,

Like others who spoke before me, I take this opportunity to congratulate you on your election and we look forward to a very successful session under your wise and skillful guidance.

I also extend our deepest appreciation to members of your Bureau, in particular the Joint UN Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the Facilitators for their countless efforts in preparing this significant and timely event.

Mr. President, Excellencies, and Distinguished Delegates,

We all have come to terms that HIV/AIDS is now more than just a public health issue. The HIV/AIDS pandemic constitutes a global crisis with devastating consequences, threatening peace and stability, and undermining economic development efforts and social cohesion. This Special Session is therefore a turning point in the history of the epidemic.

To this end, both the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council have been instrumental in the effort to address this very important issue. We are pleased to see that bodies of the UN system such as UNICEF, IlNDP, LTNFPA, IJNDCP and others such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank are actively incorporating this issue in their development, technical and funding programmes. This is made possible through the active and leading role of our Secretary General, Mr. Kofi Annan, to whom we would like to pay our heartfelt tribute.

Mr. President,

Despite the fact that the prevalence rate continues to be very low, the magnitude of the problem, its harmful social and economic impacts made us, in Brunei Darussalam, view the HIV/AIDS problem with great trepidation. In this regard, His Majesty's Government has taken appropriate steps to ensure that the low level of infection in the country does not deteriorate.

Experience to dale with HIV/AIDS cases, albeit being small in number, had also provided us insights on the management needs of the disease. Our first and foremost response has been geared towards addressing the needs and care of infected individuals, and this include clinical care, support and counseling to the patients.

At the same time, our efforts have been concentrated on prevention and control strategies. The Government .is working to ensure the protection of the national blood supply, intensifiès the surveillance of high-risk groups, carries out case management and encourage the involvement of other non-health sectors in the management of HIV/AIDS.

An Awareness Drive to alert and increase understanding with the objective of promoting appropriate responses and acceptability of HIV/AIDS cases in the community has been initiated at the onset of the epidemic and continues to be carried out. Emphasis on education of HIV/AIDS as with cultural, beliefs and traditional values are also the main approaches taken by the Government.

Mr. President,

At the regional level, Brunei Darussalam has joined hands with its neighbors in the common effort to address the problem. The ASEAN Task Force on AIDS (AFTOA) was set up to intensify collaborative efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS through exchanges of information, strengthening collective responses to the problems and challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and in the mobilizing of resources to support implementation of priority activities.

The ASEAN Leaders' Summit that will take place in Bandar Seri Begawan this November has rightly placed the issue on the agenda. This is a timely opportunity for member countries to reiterate and strengthen their regional commitment to combat the disease.

Mr. President, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is clear that HIV/AIDS shall remain one of the most serious social and economic problems to confront us in the coming decades. It is within our collective capacities that we must resolved to prevent the further spread of the disease and to continue our fervent search for a cure. In that context, Brunei Darussalam appreciates the support and collaboration of many stakeholders for their valuable efforts in tackling the epidemic.

The Programme of Action to be adopted by this Session has laid down important targets and goals to effectively address the issue in a comprehensive manner. Of utmost importance, is of course the political will and commitment to act on our promises. It is our gathering here today, that my country hopes that we, the international community, can and shall make a difference.

I thank you, Mr. President.