UNAIDS | Press Statements

UNAIDS saddened by death of human rights activist Shivananda Khan

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is deeply saddened by the death of Shivananda Khan, an AIDS activist who was known and respected for his tireless promotion of the rights of men who have sex with men and transgender people.

No time to lose in the search for an HIV vaccine

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) joins partners and allies around the world in recognizing World AIDS Vaccine Day.

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

More than 30 years ago, gay men lit the first spark that kindled the world’s response to the AIDS epidemic. Thanks to the audacity and courage of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people, we have now seen extraordinary progress against AIDS around the world.

UNAIDS welcomes Roberto Azevêdo as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes Ambassador Roberto Azevêdo of Brazil as the as the next Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

UNAIDS calls for Zero parallel systems for HIV and TB

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Every day more than 1000 people living with HIV die of tuberculosis. This is unacceptable. Today we have the knowledge and the power to stop HIV and TB in their tracks. By integrating HIV and TB services and systems, we can save millions of lives and millions of dollars.

UNAIDS welcomes UK’s strong commitment to development aid

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes the announcement made by the Rt Hon George Osborne, MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer, that the United Kingdom will meet its target of spending 0.7% of gross national income on international development this year.

UNAIDS congratulates newly elected Pope Francis

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

“I give my warm wishes to Pope Francis as he assumes the papacy. His unwavering commitment to serve people most in need is an inspiration to us all,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “I look forward to working with His Holiness so that the Catholic Church can advance the AIDS response and ensure the dignity of people most affected by HIV.”

Ending violence against women is critical to ending AIDS

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:15:00 GMT

On this day when we honour women, let me speak directly to the men. As husbands and partners, brothers and sons, we must be part of the solution to build a world where women and men are equal.

UNAIDS and UNICEF welcome news of a baby born with HIV who now as a toddler appears “functionally cured” through treatment

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and UNICEF welcome a new case study, which found a baby treated with antiretroviral drugs in the first 30 hours of life and who continued on HIV treatment for 18 months appeared to be functionally cured.

UNAIDS welcomes new leadership of Ray Chambers in support of the health-related Millennium Development Goals

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Secretary-General has appointed Ray Chambers as the first Special Envoy for Financing the Health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). As part of his expanded role, Mr Chambers will promote increased investment by the public and private sectors for the AIDS response.

UNAIDS welcomes new paediatric HIV treatment license for the Medicines Patent Pool

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:45:00 GMT

The new agreement is a significant step forwards in HIV treatment for children as very few antiretroviral drugs are formulated for paediatric use. In 2012 UNAIDS estimated that 72% of children living with HIV who were eligible for treatment did not have access.

UNAIDS congratulates Senegal’s President on his election as chair of NEPAD’s Orientation Committee

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:30:00 GMT

The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) applauds Senegalese President Macky Sall on his election as chairperson of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development’s (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee.

UNAIDS applauds Mongolia for removing restrictions on entry, stay and residence for people living with HIV

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes the recent law reforms in Mongolia that have removed all travel restrictions and other discriminatory provisions for people living with HIV. The reforms which were passed by Mongolia’s Parliament in mid-December of last year took effect on 15 January 2013.

UNAIDS welcomes new United States Global Health Diplomacy Office

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UNAIDS welcomes the creation of a new United States Global Health Diplomacy Office and the announcement that US Global AIDS Ambassador Eric Goosby will lead this new effort.

UNAIDS calls for zero discrimination and ensuring rights to health, dignity and security on Human Rights Day

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

On the occasion of Human Rights Day, there is evidence that global solidarity and shared responsibility are expanding people’s right to health across the world. More than half the people in need of antiretroviral treatment are now receiving it, far fewer people are dying from AIDS-related illnesses, 25 countries have reduced new HIV infections by more than 50% and new HIV treatment and prevention science promise yet more results.

UNAIDS Executive Director’s message for World AIDS Day 2012

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:26:00 GMT

To the millions who have come together with compassion and determination on this World AIDS Day, we say: “Your blood, sweat and tears are changing the world.” We have moved from despair to hope.

UNAIDS commends United States’ commitment to achieving an AIDS-free generation

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:30:00 GMT

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) welcomes the unveiling of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-free Generation, by United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The Blueprint builds on the remarkable results that have been achieved to date and sets a bold course for the future. The new US plan of action focuses on four critical pillars: saving lives, smart investments, shared responsibility and driving results with science.

UNAIDS welcomes Mark Dybul as new head of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

UNAIDS congratulates Mark Dybul on his appointment as Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund).

Equatorial Guinea increases domestic investments for AIDS

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMT

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) recognizes Equatorial Guinea’s efforts in financing its entire national AIDS response from domestic resources. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo stated that “Equatorial Guinea is financing its national programmes on school HIV/AIDS prevention, condom distribution and the financing of antiretrovirals for infected populations.” He made the statement at a special side event organized by the African Union at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York last month.

UN Secretary-General appoints Michel Kazatchkine as his Special Envoy on HIV/AIDS for Eastern Europe and Central Asia

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations has announced the appointment of Michel Kazatchkine as the Secretary-General’s new Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, one of only two regions in the world where HIV is continuing to grow.