Feature story

Implementers' meeting

27 June 2007

Representatives from over 50 countries came together in Kigali on 16 June for the opening session of the HIV/AIDS Implementer’s Meeting hosted by the government of Rwanda and cosponsored by PEPFAR, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the UNAIDS Secretariat, UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank .

The theme of this year’s meeting, “Scaling Up Through Partnerships,” recognizes the rapid expansion of HIV/AIDS programs worldwide. Together, implementers will exchange lessons learned on building the capacity of local prevention, treatment, and care programs, maintaining quality control, and coordinating efforts. This forum will facilitate an open dialogue about future directions of HIV/AIDS programs, with a strong emphasis on implementation and identification of critical barriers and best practices.

20070627_group_350.jpg Donors, AIDS experts and implementers from around the world gathered in Kigali, Rwanda to attend the 2007 HIV/AIDS Implementers’ Meeting. The meeting was hosted by the government of Rwanda and cosponsored by PEPFAR, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the UNAIDS Secretariat, UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank.

20070627_Rwanda_president_3.jpg In his opening key note address, His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda, listed the achievements to date and elaborated on the drivers of progress. He also insisted on making a breakthrough in strengthening health systems by joining forces with development partners to build capacity.

20070627_Michel_podium_35.jpg Michel Sidibe, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director, highlighting 5 key strategic areas: Spending money on programmes and priorities owned by communities who understand their epidemics; Enhancing capacity in education and social services and making use of communities and civil society as invaluable resources; Shifting from short term interventions to more strategic long term approaches; Putting AIDS at the core of any development programme; and scaling-up for greater efficiency in delivering results without loosing money on the way.

20070627_Michel_1stLady_350.jpg Michel Sidibe, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director talks to the First Lady of Rwanda Jeannette Kagame during the 2007 HIV/AIDS implementers meeting.

20070627_mary_fisher_350.jpg UNAIDS Special Representative Mary Fisher during her speech at the 2007 HIV/AIDS implementers' meeting.