It is with great sadness that UNAIDS learnt of the death on 6 January 2006 of our longtime colleague Peter Busse.

The United Nations today called on all Africans including governments, communities, people living with HIV and AIDS and individuals to take ownership and unite in the response to AIDS in Africa.

A comprehensive review of epidemiological and behavioural data released today by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) concludes that HIV prevalence has fallen in Zimbabwe over the past five years, and that HIV incidence has also declined.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) endorse today’s announcement by the European Union (EU) to intensify HIV prevention efforts. The EU’s statement reaffirms the Member States’ commitment to tackling HIV and AIDS, particularly in developing countries.

A new international award celebrating community action on AIDS was launched today on World AIDS Day to honour grassroots leadership in fighting the AIDS epidemic.

Over £27.5 million for global AIDS prevention was today announced by the Prime Minister, showing the UK’s commitment on World AIDS Day to tackling the world’s fourth biggest killer.

The world’s best cricketers have pledged their support to the global fight against HIV and AIDS to mark World AIDS Day 2005 on Thursday 1 December.