Deputy Secretary-General remarks on 'AIDS plus MDGs : Delivering Results Toward Share Commitments'

Prime Minister Zenawi (Ethiopia)

Prime Minister Houngbo (Togo)

Minister Motsoaledi (South Africa)

Minister Chukwu (Nigeria)

Dr Chan (WHO)

Mr Sidibe (UNAIDS)

We have had an extremely productive week. Never has the path to our 2015 goals been more clear. This event builds on our progress.

The “AIDS plus MDGs” approach is an innovative course of action that brings AIDS out of isolation –and into a more dynamic circle of inclusion. It is forged on a common sense vision.

Quite simply, we know the HIV response can aid the push towards meeting several MDG goals -- empowering women; strengthening partnerships; reducing maternal and child mortality.

The examples abound.

Programmes to prevent mother-to-child transmission not only save lives, they serve as an entry point to health services that benefit the entire family.

HIV programmes strengthen national health systems and build capacity in many resource-limited settings.

HIV prevention, care, treatment and support help us to reduce vulnerability to poverty.

And when families affected by HIV have access to treatment, children are more likely to stay in school.

Progress towards reversing the HIV epidemic is therefore central to the broad international development agenda.

Today we see strong leadership to promote this mutually reinforcing strategy.

Our challenge is to expand these efforts.

I know you are committed to doing just that.

In this room, we have leaders who have the political clout to make things happen; Representatives of countries with the resources; Organizations with the knowledge; Professionals with the expertise; and those who are most affected who bring with them the perspective and passion of a human rights approach.

It is my hope we can strengthen this coalition for action and send a clear message: “AIDS plus MDGs” equals better lives for all.

Thank you for your leadership.