United States of America

L to R: ONE Senior Advisor and Washington Post Columnist Michael Gerson, South Africa’s Minister of Finance, Honourable Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, EGPAF Family Ambassadors Fortunata Kasege and her daughter Florida Mwesiga, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, CTAOP Founder and UN Messenger of Peace Charlize Theron, BD CEO, President and Chairman of the Board, Vincent Forlenza, US Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Eric Goosby.
Credit: UNAIDS/C.Kleponis

Shared responsibility of the AIDS response must become part of a new global compact. This was the central message of a high-powered breakfast meeting that took place in Washington, DC on 18 April.

The event brought together leaders in the response to AIDS with members of United States Congress, the Administration, the private sector and AIDS advocates to emphasize how the adoption of the ‘shared responsibility’ approach is translating joint efforts into real results.

The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé thanked the United States for its longstanding leadership in the AIDS response through such ground-breaking initiatives as the multi-billion dollar President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and its support to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria. “The continued leadership and investment from the United States is not only helping to leverage additional resources from donor governments but also from the domestic budgets of low-and middle-income countries,” said Mr Sidibé.” 

South Africa’s experience, for example, shows how the shared responsibility is being translated into real results on the ground. The government now accounts for some three-quarters of the AIDS spending in the country and, under a Partnership Framework signed with the US, it will finance almost 90% of its response by 2017.

According to South Africa’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan, “South Africans have turned the tide against AIDS. Our achievement is a tribute to the close collaboration between South Africans—government, business, researchers, and community workers—and the steadfast and generous support of our partners in the international community.”

South African film star, United Nations Messenger of Peace and founder of the Africa Outreach Project, Charlize Theron said, “The tipping point is upon us and we have an incredible opportunity to turn the tide on HIV and end the AIDS epidemic for good.  I ask that you please take this opportunity to heart and from wherever you sit—Congress, corporate America, the community—that you continue to use your power and influence to keep creating hope and help moving the AIDS response forward.  We can, we must, and we will overcome this epidemic together.”

Florida Mwesiga, Family Ambassador for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, played a special role in highlighting the impact of HIV on young people. “I’m thankful that my mum was able to receive treatment that protected me from HIV while she was pregnant,” said Ms Mwesiga. “My mum continues her fight to ensure all mothers everywhere can experience the gift of an HIV-negative child,” she shared. “My mother’s courage to stand up and demand change inspires me every day. And it’s because of her that I feel so empowered to also make a difference,” added Ms Mwesiga reminding all participants that everyone has an important role to play in the response to AIDS.

It was clear by the end of the meeting that important contributions by the US to the AIDS response are crucial to achieving the ambitious but attainable goal of an AIDS-free generation. Ambassador Goosby concluded that, “Collectively, we've taken great strides in the global AIDS response. PEPFAR is proud of its close collaboration with host countries and other partners in supporting this transformational change. While much work remains to be done, through country ownership, smart investments, and shared responsibility, I am confident that we will create an AIDS-free generation.”

The event was co-hosted by the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, ONE, the United States Global Leadership Coalition, and UNAIDS. 

On 20 February, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) presented the results of a four-year evaluation of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Led by Dr Robert E. Black, chair of the evaluation committee, the 700-page report is based on an extensive review of data from over 30 countries receiving PEPFAR funding, interviews with partner organizations and stakeholders, and findings from field visits to 13 countries.

The report serves as strong affirmation of PEPFAR’s significant impact on the AIDS epidemic, both in its partner countries and globally. It highlights PEPFAR’s continued relevance and progress in meeting its targets and in its staunch commitment to halting the spread of HIV and saving lives through investments in HIV prevention, treatment and care services.

The report also outlines the significant contribution PEPFAR has made to strengthening partnerships with governments, civil society, development partners and other stakeholders. Its increased attention and commitment to key populations and contribution to addressing the challenging nature of concentrated epidemics, and the overall transformative role in the global HIV response also come out strongly in the report. The report’s conclusions and recommendations for future action, reinforce the strong synergies between UNAIDS vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths and the US goal of creating an AIDS-free generation. 

“The United States of America has led a formidable response to the AIDS epidemic. Through PEPFAR the US has actively saved millions of lives and prevented millions of new infections around the world,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “We are also encouraged to see that this report emphasizes our common goals to see more country-owned and sustainable approaches achieved through greater shared responsibility.”

The evaluation also shows the clear need for PEPFAR to sustain its progress and to continue being ambitious in achieving real results to halt the global AIDS epidemic. It urges PEPFAR to transition to new implementation models that enhance systems and build capable leadership in partner countries to sustainably and effectively manage their own responses to HIV. “As the HIV response becomes more country-driven, PEPFAR, like other external donors, will need to focus its contribution on national efforts, rather than direct provision of services and attribution of results,” said Dr Black.

The report concludes that PEPFAR has the potential to further transform the way health assistance is envisioned and implemented, with ultimate long-term positive effects for global health and well-being.

In response to report, the head of PEPFAR, Ambassador Eric Goosby, reiterated the importance of the study in shaping PEPFAR’s efforts to implement the Blueprint for Creating an AIDS-free Generation, "We are proud that the IOM stated that PEPFAR has played a transformative role in the global response to HIV. We stand ready to continue to play this role as we work with our partners across the globe to create an AIDS-free generation," he said. "While our work is far from finished, we believe our best days lie ahead as we work with the global community to help countries reach the tipping point in their epidemics, and sustain their AIDS responses over time." He also announced the formation of a US government committee to follow-up on the report’s recommendations.

L to R: Edward Greene, Special Envoy on AIDS for the Caribbean, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, J.V.R. Prasada Rao, Special Envoy on AIDS for Asia and the Pacific, Michel Kazatchkine, Special Envoy on AIDS for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and Hedia Belhadj, UNAIDS Director, Liaison Offices Coordination.
Credit: UN Photo/Evan Schneider

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon brought together his team of United Nations Special Envoys for AIDS to discuss their strategic directions for the year ahead. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé also participated in the meeting that took place on 07 January at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Welcoming his first meeting with the Special Envoys since their appointment in 2012, the Secretary-General highlighted their vision and leadership in the AIDS response. “Each of you have demonstrated your commitment by leading by example,” said Mr Ban. “I am very pleased to see you are effective, with an independent vision and working in close coordination with UNAIDS to reach the 2015 goals.”

The new team of Special Envoys is formed by Asha Rose Migiro, Special Envoy for Africa and former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General; Michel Kazatchkine, Special Envoy for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and former Executive Director of The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; J.V.R. Prasada Rao, Special Envoy for Asia and the Pacific and former Director of UNAIDS Regional Support Team; and Edward Greene, Special Envoy for the Caribbean and former CARICOM Secretariat Assistant Secretary-General.

The Special Envoys for AIDS are highly experienced individuals dedicated to support the Secretary-General in the final push towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, particularly halting and reversing the course of HIV (MDG6) and reducing child mortality and improving maternal health (MDG 4 and 5). The Special Envoys are also uniquely positioned to communicate the Secretary-General’s messages and vision, leverage political processes and contribute towards shaping the post 2015 development agenda.

"We have a really strong team of Special Envoys on AIDS with great coherence, an outstanding understanding of regional specificities and global issues, and able to work across all sectors," said Mr Sidibé. “I am confident that together we will be able to articulate and advance priorities now and for the post 2015 agenda.”

The main areas of work that the Special Envoys on AIDS are prioritizing include promoting increased access to HIV treatment and prevention, encouraging shared responsibility and global solidarity among countries, and calling for the respect of human rights for all. They will also work with UNAIDS Cosponsors to ensure the prominence of HIV in related thematic areas such as drug policy, HIV within the context of peace and security, and decreasing the vulnerability of women and girls. 

L to R: Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Anthony Fauci, the United States Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Eric Goosby, the Director of ICAP and the Global Health Initiative at the Mailman School of Public Health, Wafaa El-Sadr and the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé.
Credit: UNAIDS/B. Hamilton

The World Leaders Forum and the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) co-hosted a special event at Columbia University entitled “A Future without HIV/AIDS: Dream or Reality?” on 28 September.

Moderated by PBS Senior Correspondent Ray Suarez, the debate brought together global health leaders, including the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, Anthony Fauci, the United States Global AIDS Coordinator, Ambassador Eric Goosby, the UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé, and the Director of ICAP and the Global Health Initiative at the Mailman School of Public Health, Wafaa El-Sadr.

The participants engaged in a meaningful exchange of experiences around local and global responses to AIDS. The leaders were optimistic but reminded the audience of the work that still needs to be done, including improved HIV treatment and increased funding.

“The speed with which we have been able to increase the number of people on HIV treatment in just a few years has never been seen before in the history of public health,” said Mr Sidibé. “Today, 56 countries in the world have been able to stabilize the epidemic or significantly decrease the number of new HIV infections. We have broken the trajectory of new HIV infections and created a momentum which allows us to say that we are turning the tide on AIDS. But we must continue to invest in AIDS if we want to see further returns on our investments,” he added.

Speakers reflected on future obstacles and opportunities in the global AIDS response, and the need to find the balance between realistic expectations and global aspirations. The panel looked at scientific and programmatic advances in confronting the epidemic and considered the impact of the global financial crisis, as well as other health and development priorities, on the AIDS response.

Dr El-Sadr highlighted how people are taking control of the response to AIDS at the local level: “In multiple countries in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside the scale-up of treatment we are also seeing a decrease in risky behaviour at the population level and a decrease in new HIV infections. In addition to scientific discoveries and developments in health systems, people are much more engaged in trying to control the epidemic in their own communities.”

Ambassador Goosby underscored the progress made in scaling up HIV treatment: “We are approaching a moment where the number of people who are going on to treatment will exceed the number of new infections that are occurring on the planet, but it is important to look for every possible opportunity to expand capacity.” Ambassador Goosby also noted that while some funding was reduced for the President's Emergency Program for AIDS Research (PEPFAR), enhancing the efficiencies in the delivery of HIV programmes has enabled the US government to support an unprecedented number of people on HIV prevention, treatment and care in low-income countries for fewer resources.

The recently proven efficacy of using HIV treatment as prevention was highlighted as an important breakthroughs in the AIDS response. Participants agreed on the need to use it in combination with the other prevention methods available. “The combination of HIV prevention tools we have today have the capability to turn-around the trajectory of the pandemic,” said Dr Fauci. “If you also superimpose the powerful tool of treatment as prevention, we see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

While not too long ago talking about the end of AIDS would have seemed premature, participants agreed that significant progress has been made in virtually all aspects of the global AIDS response. “Now we know we can put an end to AIDS”, said Dr Fauci. “The question is – will we?”

Participants noted that the world is on track to achieve many of the ambitious goals that were set for 2015, including 15 million people accessing HIV treatment and the elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. According to the panel, the advances in science, political support and community responses have transformed the vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths into a realistic objective to end the AIDS epidemic.

“If we come together, bring the knowledge together, bring the resources together, bring the partnerships together and work together we can turn the tide and transform this epidemic. This is a transformative moment,” concluded Dr El-Sadr.

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon launching the new initiative “Education First” with President Jacob Zuma of South Africa (left) and the Prime Minister of Denmark Helle Thorning-Schmidt (right). 26 September 2012. UN Headquarters, New York. Credit: UNAIDS/B. Hamilton

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon launched a new initiative “Education First” to ensure that every child goes to school, receives quality education and imbibes values of global citizenship.

“Our shared goals are simple. We want children to attend primary school and to progress toward higher education that will help them to succeed in life,” said Mr Ban. “We cannot stop until every child goes to school. This is our task, this is our homework.”

Speaking on behalf of all children and young people, Chenor Bah from Sierra Leone presented a petition demanding their right for education. “Send us all to school; prepare us for the 21st century jobs, [prepare us] to be global citizens to promote tolerance and peace, comprehensive reproductive health education, and to be informed by science,” said Mr Bah. “You are tallest when you kneel to help a child,” he added.

“Education First” seeks to mobilize all partners, traditional and new, to achieve the enrolment of all children in primary education ahead of the 2015 target date for the Millennium Development Goals. The new initiative establishes that, an additional US$ 24 billion is needed annually to cover the shortfall for children out of primary and lower secondary school. “Education remains the most important investment that any state—especially in Africa and the developing world can make,” said President Jacob Zuma of South Africa.

Moderating the session, the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown called on the global community to invest fully in education. “We have to give voice and opportunity to young people,” he said.

More than US$ 1.5 billion was pledged during the event by private sector partners including US$ 1 billion by Western Union Foundation and US$ 500 million by MasterCard foundation.

“When you run a country you worry about a lot of statistics—inflation, unemployment, gross product etc.—but the one statistic that I worry most about is how our schooling fares compared to other countries,” said Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia. “The success of our 15 year old children in education determines how far our economy will go and how fair as a nation we will be,” she added while supporting the initiative.

Moderating the session, the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown called on the global community to invest fully in education. Credit: UNAIDS/B. Hamilton

Highlighting the key role that teachers play in the children’s education, Irina Bokova Director-General of UNESCO noted that, “We need a new deal for teachers. We are short of 1.7 billion teachers,” she said. “We must put teachers first—they are the backbone of our society,” added Ms Bokova.

“We need to look beyond inputs and invest in school system to achieve better learning outcomes,” said Dr Jim Kim, President of World Bank. “Countries must invest in health and facilitate the access to school to make education work.”

In an op-ed written for the Huffington Post in support of the initiative, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé wrote, “Education First is the blueprint for a brighter future, but it won’t succeed without steadfast commitment from all sectors of society, including governments and funders, as well as students and families. And success will require resources as well as good will. We now have an historical opportunity to end one of the greatest threats to humanity of our lifetime. Ending AIDS is possible—and education is the key to success.”

UNAIDS helped produce the “Education First” strategy document. The illustrations in the strategy were developed by Sujean Rim, the UNAIDS artist-in-residence. “Education is the best gift I have received and I am happy to be able to support this initiative,” Ms Rim said. “Children everywhere need the opportunity and the skills to express themselves through art, science and sport.”

Today, nearly 61 million children do not have access to primary education, 52% of them are girls. An additional 71 million children eligible for lower secondary education are not receiving post-primary education. Children in conflict-affected countries account for 42% of children out-of-school. Other barriers to school enrolment and completion include unaffordable costs, gender discrimination, child labour and lack of infrastructures. The new strategy also highlights that children orphaned by AIDS and other causes need focused care and protection, as do those subjected to child labour and exploitation.

L to R: Head of the United Nations Department of Peace Keeping Operations Hervé Ladsous, President of Gabon H.E. Ali Bongo and UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé during the 67th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. 25 September 2012.
Credit: UNAIDS/B. Hamilton

The President of Gabon H.E. Ali Bongo held a discussion with UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and Head of the United Nations Department of Peace Keeping Operations Hervé Ladsous on AIDS and security during the 67th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

During the discussion the leaders warned of how societal instability can provide a fertile ground for HIV risk and transmission. Reduced accountability, shifting power balances and vulnerabilities become rife, leading to all sorts of abuses, including sexual and gender based violence.

Mr Sidibé thanked President Bongo for his leadership and continued commitment to the issue. "The relationship between HIV and security is crystal clear: Conflicts and post-conflict conditions can exacerbate the spread of HIV and, if left unchecked, threaten international peace and security," he said.

In many settings, widespread sexual violence has been used as a tool of warfare, increasing gender inequalities and contributing to the spread of HIV. In conflict and post-conflict settings, women (including many with children) often confront the choice between starving in devastated local communities or entering refugee camps where rape and sexual violence may be endemic.

The leaders agreed that the UN Security Council has played a leading role in raising awareness of the links between AIDS and security. In 2011, a landmark Security Council Resolution 1983 called for increased efforts by UN Member States to address HIV in peacekeeping missions. It also called for HIV prevention efforts among uniformed services to be aligned with efforts to end sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict settings.

“Before we report back to the UN Security Council in 2013, I will invite leaders and partners to Libreville to review global progress,” said President Bongo.

Today, HIV is being comprehensively integrated in all United Nations peacekeeping operations. Reaching the nearly 120,000 personnel who currently serve in UN peacekeeping missions not only helps protect their health and well-being, but the peacekeepers also serve as agents of change in surrounding communities and eventually in their home countries.

“We can mitigate the impact of HIV among uniformed services and civilian populations affected by conflict,” said Mr Ladsous. “This is a priority for the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations,” he added.

UNAIDS and the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) have been working together for over a decade accumulating considerable knowledge on AIDS and security, identifying best practices as well as documenting both successes and challenges. The collaboration has also leveraged the strengths and expertise of other UN partners such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), UN Women and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), besides member states, other international organisations and funding entities.

All these collaborative efforts are starting to yield results. Six case studies undertaken in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Timor Leste, Lebanon, Haiti, Republic of South Sudan and Republic of North Sudan indicate concrete progress in addressing HIV and gender-based violence. AIDS programmes are helping address sexual and gender-based violence, increase awareness of the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination, sensitise perpetrators and help convert them into agents of change, and promote integration of human rights protections in national legal and policy frameworks. A joint publication “Securing an AIDS free future: practical lessons about Security and AIDS in conflict and post-conflict settings” produced by UNAIDS and DPKO documenting these efforts was presented to President Bongo during the meeting.

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon speaking at a reception to draw attention to the progress made on the Every Woman Every Child initiative. 25 September 2012.
Credit: UN Foundation

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon brought together on 25 September in New York, leaders from government, civil society, the private sector and international organizations during a reception to draw attention to the progress made on the Every Woman Every Child initiative.

“If we take the human right to health seriously, we have to ensure that all people get basic services,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. “If we ensure universal health coverage, we can stop many more preventable deaths. We can prevent illness and malnutrition. We can ensure that girls and women of all ages can choose if and when to have a baby. And that will protect people from falling deeper into poverty.”

Every Woman Every Child is an unprecedented global movement, spearheaded by Mr Ban, to mobilize and intensify global action to improve the health of women and children around the world. Working with a wide range of partners, the initiative aims to save the lives of 16 million women and children and improve the lives of millions more.

The effort puts into action the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health, which presents a roadmap on how to enhance financing, strengthen policy and improve service on the ground for the most vulnerable women and children.

More than $40 billion was pledged at the launch of the initiative in 2010, and numerous partners have made additional financial, policy and service delivery commitments. However, the Secretary-General stressed during the reception the need for the international community to continue providing support and renewing their commitments to take Every Woman Every Child past the tipping point. Fulfilling the commitments made would mean saving the lives of 16 million women and children, preventing 33 million unwanted pregnancies, ending stunting in 88 million children, and protecting 120 million children from pneumonia by 2015.

“No child should be born with HIV and all mothers living with HIV should have access to HIV treatment for their own health,” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “Every woman and every child must have full access to health. We owe this to our future generations.”

The event was held at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and was organized by the MDG Health Alliance, the United Nations Foundation, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (PMNCH) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

L to R: UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Naomi Watts; UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Aishwarya Rai Bachchan; UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé; Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and Special Adviser on the Millennium Development Goals to the United Nations Secretary-General, Professor Jeffrey Sachs; and Founder and President of the Advanced Development for Africa (ADA) Foundation and conference Chairperson Ms. Coumba D. Touré at the Yale Club, NYC. September 24, 2012.

First Ladies of several African countries, government officials and representatives from international and civil society organizations working on development and women’s issues gathered in New York on the side-lines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting to discuss ways to empower women and youth especially through digital technologies.

Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé participated in the session entitled Partnership in action: Ensuring children everywhere are born HIV-free. Calling on women to lead the way for social justice, Mr Sidibé introduced two UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassadors Naomi Watts and Aishwarya Rai Bachan. “These two women have the power to change the world—nothing could be nobler than a generation free from HIV,” he said.

Speaking about her experiences in the field Ms Watts focused on the importance of partnerships in the incredible progress made in getting to zero new HIV infections among children. “But we are not there yet. One baby is born with HIV almost every minute and currently only one of every four children in need of treatment is actually receiving it. To me, these are not facts and figures but faces with families,” she said. “Surely we can keep moving until we get to zero.”

Mrs Rai Bachchan, who was appointed a new Goodwill Ambassador earlier in the day, shared her passion to learn and to make a real difference in the lives of women and families. She also called on the media to do its part. “We need to draw attention to something that needs attention,” she said. “Women need to find their voice, anywhere a baby is born we need to work there.”

The event also focused on the advances in technology and health. The provision of health services and information via mobile technologies such as mobile phones, also known as mobile health or mHealth, has been proven effective in providing greater access to healthcare to populations in low income countries. Using such technology has also shown cost efficiencies and an improvement in the capacity of health systems to provide quality healthcare.

Recent evidence from randomized scientific trials and studies has demonstrated that SMS messaging in particular can positively impact treatment outcomes. For example, results from a study conducted in Kenya on November 2010, showed that patients who received SMS support had significantly higher adherence to antiretroviral treatment.

With 5.3 billion mobile subscribers across the globe and almost 90% of the world’s population covered by a wireless signal, the mobile phone has become the most widely spread communica­tions technology platform. Participants at the meeting brought ideas on how mobile technologies could help scale up access to health for women and youth in low and middle-income countries.

A multitude of mHealth solutions have emerged over the years in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, according to the Global Observatory for eHealth at the World Health Organization. However, a recent report commissioned by the Advance Development for Africa Foundation, highlights that despite the strong promise demonstrated by mHealth tools and applications, the current land­scape is characterized by a proliferation of unsustainable pilot projects that often expire once initial funding is exhausted.

The event was co-hosted by Advance Development for Africa Foundation, Digital He@lth Initiative and the Global Partnerships Forum in cooperation with UNAIDS, UNDP, UN Office for Partnerships, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, and UN Habitat.

UNAIDS Executive Director rings the New York Stock Exchange Opening Bell with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown in support of Education.

Joining the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown, Sarah Brown  and school students from New York, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé visited the New York Stock Exchange to ring the Opening Bell to highlight the need for access to education.

The event helped bring attention to the upcoming launch of Education First, a new initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations General Assembly this week. The effort will expand and improve schooling around the world and keep education as a top development priority.

Emphasizing the role the business community will play, Mr Sidibé said that the investment private sector makes will return an investment in a more informed and qualified workforce that contributes to economic growth.

Education First will be launched 26 September 2012.

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 24 September 2012—On the eve of the 67^th United Nations General Assembly, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) has appointed global Indian icon Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as International Goodwill Ambassador. In her new role she will help raise awareness on issues related to stopping new HIV infections in children and advocate for increased access to antiretroviral treatment.

Mrs Rai Bachchan has been involved in humanitarian issues for many years and will now have a special focus on HIV. "I am honoured to accept this appointment. Spreading awareness on health issues, especially related to women and children, has always been a priority for me. And now, as a new mother, I can personally relate to this––the joys and concerns of every mother and the hopes that we have for our children. I strongly believe that every baby should be born free from HIV. And I wish that every woman living with HIV stays healthy and has access to treatment. I promise that with UNAIDS, I will do my utmost to make this happen."

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé welcomed Mrs Rai Bachchan to the UNAIDS family. “Mrs Rai Bachchan is respected and admired by millions of people around the world,” said Mr Sidibé. “I am convinced that through her global outreach, Mrs Rai Bachchan can help UNAIDS reach its goal of eliminating new HIV infections among children by 2015.”

The main focus of Mrs Rai Bachchan will be to advocate for the Global Plan towards the elimination of new HIV infections among children and keeping their mothers alive. This plan was launched at the United Nations in June 2011.

The Global Plan focuses on 22 countries including India, which account for more than 90% of all new HIV infections among children. Twenty one of them are in sub-Saharan Africa, where the estimated number of children newly infected with HIV fell by 25%, from 360 000 in 2009 to 270 000 in 2011. Progress in sub-Saharan Africa has been made possible through rapid improvement in access to services that prevent new infections in children. There was a dramatic increase in coverage of services in the 21 sub-Saharan African countries between 2009 and 2011: from 34% to 61%. HIV transmission rates from mother-to child have also declined since 2010 with the introduction of more effective prophylaxis regimens.

“Through her work in raising awareness of the issues and advocating for increased access to services Mrs Rai Bachchan will be instrumental in helping to ensure that no more babies are born with HIV and that their mothers stay alive and healthy,” said Mr Sidibé. “We look forward to working with her to reach our collective goals.”