Full text of speech given by Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director, at the African Summit on HIV/AIDS, TB and other related infectious diseases 24 to 27 April 2001 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Where already tens of millions are infected, where tens of millions are dying, and where a hundred million more may become infected and die in the future. Where half of every new generation of boys and girls in the worst affected countries will die of AIDS.

I wish to take this opportunity on behalf of the UN family in Tanzania, to extend our congratulations to the pioneer group among the Private Sector, who realizing the important role the Private Sector can play in addressing HIV/AIDS in Tanzania, initiated first meetings and discussions to establish this coalition where all like minded Chief Executives and companies can work together and share varied experiences and lessons learned.