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

My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by Sweden on behalf of the European Union and associated countries.

Mr. President,

It is indeed appropriate for this august body to assemble in special session to review and discuss the HIV/AIDS pandemic 20 years after the first cases of the disease were diagnosed and identified. In these two decades the pandemic has assumed global proportions and is widely recognised as one of the most, if not the most serious challenge facing humanity to-day. This pandemic is having devastating effects on humanity by far worse than any war or natural disaster.

In the last few months and weeks we have noticed that the convening of this special session has served as a catalyst for intense activity at all levels. Enhanced public awareness raised expectations and we are now faced with a daunting challenge. The resolve and commitment embodied in our final declaration must therefore equal to expectations generated.

The gravity of the situation is emphasised and substantiated by statistics that unfortunately send a very clear and alarming message:

- more than 36 million individuals in the world are living with HIV/AIDS;
- 90 per cent of these are to be found in the developing world, and
- 75 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa
- 600,000 children are born with HIV annually.

Mr. President.

Prevention however remains of primary importance. It must not be interpreted as a cynical disregard of those already infected but as a necessary and pragmatic approach aimed at minimising, as much as possible, the numbers of those in need of care and treatment. This in turn will release the resources so essential for better and more effective treatment as well as for intensifying research activities. Prevention is an investment for care, support and treatment.

Although in Malta the statistics of those infected with the HIV virus is minimal and seemingly under control, yet relative studies indicate that the generation born and raised during the last twenty years lacks sufficient knowledge about sexual matters or is rather misinformed. This dangerous situation can only be remedied through the pursuance of a comprehensive sex education programme as an integral part of the national minimum curriculum. This is an exercise that will be taken in hand in the very near future by the Health Promotion Department within the Ministry of Health.

Education is complemented by awareness raising campaigns targeting those who have already left the classroom. The use of the media to promote safe sex enables the health authorities to reach the maximum audience. Literature is concurrently distributed to supplement the message delivered. Moreover the central role played by the family in the national preventive strategy is to be emphasised.

Both treatment and care require support. In Malta support usually takes the form of pre- and post-test counselling. Health personnel directly involved in this process are regularly updated, through annual seminars, to keep them abreast of the latest approaches, best practices and methodology.  Treatment is provided as an integral part of the national health care and is given according to the requirements of each individual case.

Mr. President,

In all aspects and phases of the fight against the epidemic the respect for human rights cannot be overlooked. Reducing vulnerability through the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the cornerstone of any effective campaign. This is a strategy that goes hand in hand with efforts aimed at reducing stigma, discrimination and social exclusion.

Children and women, being particularly vulnerable, deserve special attention. In drawing up policies and strategies we must ensure that these vulnerable groups and categories remains high on our agenda. In addition those most at risk must be encouraged to seek testing and counselling. Programmes addressing such issues as risky sexual behaviour and injecting drug use are necessary if we are to highlight these activities' inherent danger and to bring about the desired behavioural changes.

Undoubtedly apart from the devastating loss of life, this pandemic leads to tremendous negative social and economic repercussions. A whole generation is at risk with the corresponding threat to development. In its disastrous path this disease is leaving behind orphans, a high death toll of teachers and instructors with meagre chances of replacement. The drain on the best and most productive elements of society not only impacts negatively on our present generation but jeopardises potential development and future resources.

With regard to care, the results being obtained through the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy are very encouraging and have led to a significant reduction in, AIDS-related mortality. However this is a treatment that unfortunately is still beyond the reach of the large majority of those infected. Recent breakthroughs in the discussions on drug pricing have given renewed hope to millions. The next step is to strengthen health systems to enable the delivery of these drugs to those who need them.

It clearly emanates that the concerted efforts necessary to combat this epidemic call for a substantial increase in public health funding, both at the national as well as the international level. It has been estimated that the achievement of the targets set warrants an expenditure of between 7 to 10 billion dollars annually. These figures contrast sharply with the current expenditure of 2 billion dollars. Such a discrepancy in current and proposed funding enforces our belief that the international community should express its solidarity, particularly towards current and potential victims, through concrete measures of support, financial and otherwise.

In conclusion, it will be remiss on the part of my delegation not to acknowledge and applaud the leading and co-ordinating role being played by the United Nations joint programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) within the UN system.

Mr. President,

In the final analysis, a balanced and co-ordinated approach appears to be the most viable of options. This can only be achieved through leadership at the national, regional and global levels. A commitment by all - governments, parliamentarians, civil society and individuals - is necessary if we are to ensure that the number of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS is considerably reduced.

We need to intensify our efforts to collectively work to put an end to this human tragedy.

I thank you, Mr. President