HIV/AIDS: Charting The Way Forward

Mr President

In June 2001, the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS by 189 countries was a turning point in the global response to the epidemic.

We now have a blueprint for action, with clear goals and a clear timeline.

Today we need to take stock of what we have achieved and renew our commitment to tackle this devastating epidemic.

The Secretary-General's annual follow-up report on the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS has described once again the scope of the challenges we all face.

There is no doubt HIV/AIDS continues to tear at the fabric of society and threatens the economic development of entire countries and continents - especially Africa.

But there is hope.

The governments of some of the most afflicted countries, such as those of Uganda, Senegal and Brazil, have already demonstrated that a comprehensive approach to fighting this global killer can make a difference.

In Australia, two decades of a nationally coordinated response to HIV/AIDS have made real inroads into the epidemic.

Our infection rates are now relatively low - about one person in every 1500 is living with HIV/AIDS.

The Government, affected communities and the medical, scientific and health profession are working together to tackle the cause of the disease, prevent its spread, care for those who live with it and engage with the groups most at risk.

Of course no country - not even Australia - is an island in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The problem is trans-national - the virus knows no national boundaries - and it requires an international response.

Australia is at the forefront of efforts to contain HIV/AIDS in its own region.

Our concern is that the Asia-Pacific region could become another epicentre of the epidemic, to rival Africa.

There are now more than 7.2 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the Asia-Pacific.

And about 3000 people are newly infected with HIV every day.

Even small-island countries of the South Pacific are confronting HIV/AIDS.

And in Papua New Guinea, AIDS and related diseases are now the leading cause of death in Port Moresby General Hospital.

Australia has worked hard to forge a regional consensus and solutions to HIV/AIDS.

Two years ago we hosted a regional ministerial meeting in Melbourne, at which ministers agreed on the need to develop strategies to fight HIV/AIDS.

They have since identified practical steps for action and have begun to establish partnerships - including the Asia Pacific Leadership Forum on HIV/AIDS and Development.

In 2000, Australia embarked on a six-year, $200 million Global AIDS Initiative.

So far, we have spent around $85 million on activities aimed at reducing HIV infections.

We are now a leading donor in East Asia and the Pacific in terms of commitments and expenditure.

Next year we will review our HIV/AIDS and development policy, to take into account shifts in the nature of the epidemic and its impact.

Clearly, access to treatment will continue to be a central issue in all HIV/AIDS programs.

In developing countries, millions of people living with AIDS require immediate drug treatment, yet only about one percent can afford the anti-retroviral drugs that can extend their life for many years.

That's why Australia welcomed the breakthrough agreement achieved last month in the World Trade Organisation talks on enabling poorer countries access to affordable pharmaceuticals.

It is a life-saving agreement, which gives real hope to the millions who need our help now.

Mr President

The challenges in the fight against HIV/AIDS are formidable, but the opportunities have never been greater.

Real advance is possible.

We must continue to work to build momentum in the global response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Leadership is vital - leadership from governments, from international organisations, from the private sector, and from civil society.

Without leadership the fight against HIV/AIDS cannot be won.

Today Australia reaffirms its support for the priorities for action of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS.

And we renew our pledge to work with all concerned - including UNAIDS and its partners in the UN system - in meeting one of the most important challenges of the 21st century.