Today, the dialogue on AIDS has shifted from applauding incremental scale-up to expressing a true belief that we will end this epidemic. But we have reached a moment of truth. We need to understand and integrate the magnitude of the changes that are happening into a new narrative for global health.

The PEPFAR Blueprint for an AIDS-free generation is not just another plan. It is a clear, practical way to move the world towards the goals adopted at the UN High Level Meeting on AIDS.

The AIDS response can be a catalyst for broader health, human rights and development outcomes, and an engine for social change – towards more inclusive societies that take responsibility for investing in the well-being and dignity of all their people. We look forward to continuing to partner with you to reach the goal of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS related deaths in this region.

Dear friends, we are seeing sustained progress. We are quickening the pace of action. But we must make no mistake—this epidemic is not over.

Ladies and gentlemen, dear participants: This Pan-African Youth Summit is extremely timely. It is being held at a critical period in the evolution of our societies, when the world starts to collectively reflect on the Post-2012 development agenda.

Speech to the 26th Meeting of the Programme Coordinating Board. Conditions are in flux around the world and the context of AIDS is changing. The global economic crisis has not abated. Countries in the North and the South that were once financially secure have moved from relative abundance to forced austerity, dealing a direct blow to AIDS funding. Struggling economies are starkly exposed to the risk of ARV stockouts and the spectre of turning new patients away.

This World AIDS Day, the news is sobering -- the epidemic continues to spread in every region of the
world. The number of people living with HIV globally has reached its highest level with close to 40
million people, up from 36.6 million in 2002. The steepest increases in HIV infections occurred in East
Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia over the past two years.

Women are our most courageous and creative champions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. In most
countries and communities I have visited around the world, it is women’s voices that are heard above all others;
women advocates and activists who are moved to act selflessly and speak publicly, often risking prejudice,
abuse or violence, in order to improve the lives of others.

Is the AIDS pandemic so exceptional a threat that it is in a league altogether different
to other infectious diseases or causes of ill health? Is the pandemic so exceptional a
threat that its control should not be just one of many Millennium Development Goals
but rather an overarching priority, a prerequisite to achieving the MDGs? Is the threat
so exceptional that it demands a binding first call on the attention of political leaders
as well as on finances? So exceptional that it demands that we undertake
fundamental changes on many fronts if we are to succeed?