GENEVA – 20 July 2009 – The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes the appointment of Dr Marrike Wijnroks as the AIDS ambassador for the Netherlands.
Dr Wijnroks has been involved in the global AIDS response and other health issues for more than two decades. “Dr Wijnroks is a champion of global health and the right to health,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “In this time of economic crisis, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Netherlands to continue supporting a sustainable health response, linking AIDS with the other Millennium Development Goals. UNAIDS looks forward to working with Dr Wijnroks in her new role.”
UNAIDS also salutes the leadership and contributions of outgoing Ambassador Paul Bekkers. According to Sidibé, "Ambassador Bekkers forged a model partnership between the Government of the Netherlands and UNAIDS to better engage the countries and people affected by AIDS and strengthen our support for civil society who are at the frontline of the epidemic."
Netherlands has in recent years doubled its contribution to global health issues including AIDS, TB and malaria. Its continued commitment to global health will be crucial in realizing the global goal of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
