UNAIDS Executive Director Mr. Michel Sidibé,
Ms. Rebecca Awiti [PERSON LIVING WITH HIV],
Ladies and gentlemen,

Thirty years ago, AIDS was a death sentence.

Today, people are living and striving and thriving with HIV.

Thirty years ago, AIDS challenged us to deal with some of the most sensitive aspects of human behaviour, including reproduction and sexuality. These were difficult issues to speak about, especially for women.

Today women are not only at the forefront of our international campaign against HIV/AIDS - they are at the heart of our global health and development efforts. That is why I am so pleased to share the podium today with Rebecca Awiti.

Thirty years ago, AIDS sentenced people not only to death but also severe isolation, the stigma was so terrible.

Today, we still battle discrimination, but thanks to people like Ms. Awiti, more and more communities understand this disease. They are accepting and embracing their HIV-positive friends and associates with love, not fear.

Thirty years ago, AIDS was a mysterious killer – merciless and unstoppable.

Today, we have specific, targeted interventions to reduce transmission, provide treatment, and research a vaccine.

This progress is the result of patient, unrelenting efforts by a broad partnership including governments, the medical community, activists and international organizations.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Ten years ago, the international community came together at the General Assembly special session on HIV/AIDS and set targets for the year 2010. Now it is time to take a hard look at where we failed, where we succeeded ? and why.

That is why this year is another milestone in the campaign against HIV/AIDS. This June, the General Assembly will convene a High-Level Meeting to review progress and renew commitments. My report summarizes the latest data and contains recommendations going forward. I am providing the information and analysis in the hopes of energizing the preparations for the meeting. We need to plan for the next decade, and beyond.

Ms. Awiti has three children. Triplets, actually. She has her hands full. She was able to prevent HIV transmission to Natalie, Lennox and Nicole. And she is helping so many other expecting mothers protect their babies.

We are well on our way to an HIV-free generation.

But to get there, we need to do more.

My report shows that each day, over 7,000 people are newly infected with HIV, including 1,000 children. That is two people newly infected for every one starting treatment.

In my report, I call for Member States to meet six clear goals by 2015:

First, reduce by half the sexual transmission of HIV.

Second, provide treatment to 13 million people.

Third, eliminate mother-to-child transmission.

Fourth, cut by half the number of TB deaths among people living with HIV.

Fifth, support children orphaned and affected by AIDS to stay in school and receive social protection.

And sixth, cut by half the number of countries with HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay or residence.

Our UNAIDS Executive Director Mr. Sidibé will now brief you on the details of the report.

Mr. Sidibe is always travelling to the frontlines, speaking with people affected by HIV, and bringing their concerns to the international community.

Right after this visit to Nairobi, Mr. Sidibé leaves for Tanzania to review the AIDS response on the ground. He will meet with young people and visit clinics. My Deputy Secretary-General, Asha-Rose Migiro, will be with him on that trip. I look forward to the results.

If we keep this momentum going and reach our targets, we can meet the ultimate goal of a world with no new HIV infections, no more discrimination, and no AIDS-related deaths.

Thank you.