UNAIDS Executive Director, Mr Michel Sidibé took part in a meeting earlier this week organized by the Netherlands Multi Party Initiative on HIV/AIDS. The meeting was co-organized by the Dutch NGOs “STOP AIDS NOW!” and Aids Fonds under the banner AIDS in a Time of Financial Crisis, to explore together how to face the challenges posed by the global financial crisis.
The event was opened by the Dutch AIDS Ambassador Marijke Wijnroks.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Sidibé congratulated the Netherlands for their outstanding leadership and stressed the key role the country is playing in the global AIDS response.
“We see the Netherlands as a strong likeminded partner. Together we have achieved much in the battles against discrimination and forwarding the human rights agenda,” said Mr Sidibé.
We see the Netherlands as a strong likeminded partner. Together we have achieved much in the battles against discrimination and forwarding the human rights agenda.
UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé
“But for every 2 persons who are placed on antiretroviral treatment, 5 people are newly infected – we look forward to a continued strong relationship with the Dutch government to break the trajectory of the epidemic,” Mr Sidibé asserted.
Also participating in the meeting was the Dr Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight TB, Malaria and HIV, Mr Ewout Irrgang, chair of the Multi Party Initiative and Mrs Kathleen Ferrier, vice chair for the Multi Party Initiative.
The Netherlands Multi Party Initiative on HIV/AIDS consists of members of parliament across party lines in the Dutch Parliament. It was established in February 2007 by Kathleen Ferrier, MP.
The primary goal of this informal network is to ensure HIV as well as sexual and reproductive health and rights and related issues are kept on the agenda. The group also raises awareness at the national, regional and international level through the Dutch Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.
