We have to remember, we have been talking about HIV prevention in Germany for a very long time. You have been at the forefront, and have helped to change completely the nature of the response. I want to thank you for helping us to shape our strategies against this epidemic. So it is fitting that we are in Germany today to launch this 2011 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report—30 years after the first days of AIDS.

Today, 10 years after DOHA, it is time to take stock of what TRIPS has brought to the global public health debate, and how it has helped us to transform, or not. This is also a key opportunity to think about what should come next. AIDS is a good entry point for this discussion. It shows us the possibilities of TRIPS, but also the limitations.

Never before in the history of AIDS have we reached a moment where we are able to stand up and say with conviction the end of AIDS is in sight. It has been a year of achievements, of collective action, of resilience and of courage. In spite of the economic downturn that has stretched the AIDS response to its limits, millions of lives have been saved, as HIV treatment and prevention efforts continue to show results.

Heading into the fourth decade of AIDS, we are finally in a position to end the epidemic. The progress we have made so far is proof that we can realize our vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.

We work with communities at all levels: country, regional and global. UNAIDS is the only UN organization that has civil society as part of its governance with civil society seats for each region on our Board.

The AIDS movement in Africa is a powerful story of people breaking the conspiracy of silence surrounding this epidemic and demanding equity and dignity. We have seen unprecedented progress that must be sustained and enhanced. But we are at a "make or break" point. If we accept the status quo, we will forsake the 9 million people in low- and middle-income countries still waiting for HIV treatment. Our collective failure to meet this challenge will mean more deaths, more orphans and more new infections.

Let us all be proud. A year ago, skeptics said that getting to zero was just a slogan. But countries, partners and people around the world have embraced the vision and are now working to translate it into reality. Our vision of zero has truly come to life and grown legs.

I am honoured to be here today, and I thank you for your warm welcome. I want to begin by expressing my deep gratitude to OAFLA members for your leadership and contributions to the AIDS response in Africa. I congratulate you, because the work of African First Ladies has been increasingly visible and has made a real difference in the lives of our mothers, sisters and children.

To help measure progress on gender equality and HIV, a global indicator on “prevalence of recent intimate partner violence” has been added to the core indicators for country reporting on the progress in the AIDS response, with 52 countries having reported on the indicator. The UNAIDS family would like to reiterate its readiness to work with all partners to eliminate violence against women and girls and work towards the vision of Zero new HIV infections, Zero AIDS-related deaths, and Zero discrimination.

The consultation has provided an opportunity to reflect on the extent to which the UBRAF has enhanced coordination and coherence in planning and implementation and increased accountability.