Coordination essential to fight AIDS – Kagame

NEW YORK - President Paul Kagame, yesterday, called for stronger coordination and collaboration between member states in finding global solutions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The President was speaking at the UN General Assembly High Level Meeting on AIDS in New York, where more than 3,000 delegates are attending the meeting that is scheduled to end tomorrow. In his speech, President Kagame welcomed the UN Security Council resolution regarding the impact of HIV/AIDS on international peace and security, passed on Tuesday. He went on to highlight the importance of the meeting in providing a platform for member states to revisit the challenges faced and build on the current progress. “It is time to galvanize member states to commit to a transformative agenda that overcomes remaining barriers to an effective, equitable and sustainable response to HIV and AIDS. Where there have been combined efforts and continued financial resources, the results are there for all of us to see. Prevention has worked and treatment has saved lives,” he said. President Kagame called for a conscious leadership at all levels of society and increased coordination in responding to the scourge. “It is evident that no single country or government acting alone can overcome this pandemic. We need a coordinated comprehensive approach that responds to all the aspects of the disease,” Kagame said. “What is abundantly clear is that investing in HIV prevention, treatment and care is not only the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do. It has a positive knock-on effect in our social and economic development.” In his address to the assembly, President Kagame concluded by reiterating that the good health of all citizens of the world, and the dignity of those infected or affected, is a fundamental human right and that the resolve to fight against HIV/AIDS is a matter of social justice. President Kagame acknowledged the leadership of the UN Secretary General, the president of the UN General Assembly and the Executive Secretary of UNAIDS, for continuing to put HIV/AIDS at the forefront of the global dialogue. This year’s meeting has brought together over 30 Heads of State and Government. UN member states are, tomorrow, expected to adopt a declaration that will guide country responses to HIV/AIDS over the next five years. The meeting is taking place 10 years after the historic 2001 United Nations Special Session on HIV/AIDS. Ends

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Coordination essential to fight AIDS – Kagame