The theme of the five-day conference is “Now more than ever: targeting zero” and it was selected to stress the progress that has been made across Africa in scaling up HIV treatment but also the need to redouble efforts to prevent new HIV infections.

Some of the world’s most prominent leaders, thinkers, and activists in the AIDS response met in Lilongwe, Malawi for two days of dialogue focused on defining the role of the AIDS response in the post-2015 agenda.

Cricket players from England, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies teams participated in HIV prevention awareness-raising activities during the 2013 Champions Trophy held in the UK from 6-23 June as part of the THINK WISE Global AIDS Cricket Partnership campaign managed by the International Cricket Council, UNAIDS and UNICEF.

Leaders from across Africa and beyond are gathering for a special African Union (AU) summit which marks the 50th anniversary of unity on the continent. Several meetings and side-events took place during the Summit (19-27 May 2013).

The Sixty-sixth World Health Assembly opens today in Geneva, as officials from 194 Member States begin their annual review of the activities of WHO and set new priorities for the future. The Health Assembly will discuss specific health topics like non-communicable diseases, universal health coverage, women and children’s health, as well as the programme budget, administration, reform and management matters of the World Health Organization.

The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and UNAIDS signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 19 April in Panama City, Panama during the XXVIII CONCACAF Ordinary Congress agreeing to work together and engage football in the AIDS response, particularly among young people.

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé joined Cherie Blair, Head of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women and Dr Kandeh Yumkella, UNIDO Director General for an official visit to Sierra Leone. During their stay, they meet with the President, the First Lady and other high-level government officials and participated in the celebrations to commemorate the International Women’s Day.

During the 20th African Union Summit, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé participated in a series of meetings with Heads of State and other high-level African dignitaries in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador and football star, Michael Ballack conducted a 3-day mission to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he learned about the impact of AIDS on communities and used his star-power to raise public awareness of the epidemic.

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé on an official country visit to South Africa