NAPWA

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations (AFAOAustralian Federation of AIDS Organisations. AFAO is the peak non-government organisation representing Australia's community-based response to HIV/AIDS. AFAO's work includes education, policy, advocacy and international projects. ) has welcomed the finalization of the draft Declaration of Commitment to be adopted tomorrow at the first ever United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS.

“With over 36 million people infected with HIV, including over 7 million in the Asia Pacific region, the world must act now to stop the alarming spread of HIV and to provide better treatment and care for those living with the virusA small infective organism which is incapable of reproducing outside a host cell..” said Robin Gorna, Executive Director of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO), Australia’s peak non government organization (NGONon-Government Organisation.) representing the community response to HIV/AIDS.

“This draft Declaration provides a vital opportunity to focus the minds of the world – particularly world leaders at this meeting – on that urgent challenge.”

“This Declaration is an important blueprint for governments to work in partnership with NGOs and the scientific community to organise a much more effective global response to the epidemic. We look forward to its adoption tomorrow.” Gorna said.

AFAO has welcomed many aspects of the final Draft Declaration, particularly the fact that some clear plans, targets and outcomes have been set in HIV prevention, treatment and care for national, regional and international responses to the epidemic.

“We are very pleased to see strong statements about the empowerment of women to have control over their sexuality to help protect themselves from HIV.” Gorna said.

“We are also very pleased to see clear references to the importance of harm reduction and clean injecting equipment as an essential component of reducing spread of HIV among drug users. Programs providing clean needles can dramatically reduce HIV infections. Australia has shown that in our response to AIDS.”

There are also clear statements in the Declaration about the vital importance of research, prevention and treatment access in the fight against AIDS. This is good news.” Gorna said.

However, AFAO is very disappointed and dismayed to note that while the Declaration states in many places how crucial it is to work with – and protect the rights of – vulnerable groups like men who have sex with men, sex workers and others, there is no clear listing of these vulnerable groups in the Declaration.

This deletion of the clear list of vulnerable groups has been forced by a block of countries led by the Organisation of Islamic Conference. AFAO understands that without this compromise, it is very unlikely that the Declaration will be adopted at the session.

“The deletion of the list of vulnerable groups from what is otherwise a generally good Declaration is deeply disappointing. It will only foster denial and discrimination,” said Gorna. “We know this leads to less prevention work, more infections and poorer care for those living with and affected by AIDS. After 20 years and millions of deaths, the whole world should have learned this lesson by now.”

“While we are disappointed by this issue, the Declaration as a whole should help to mobilize a more effective worldwide response. It is now up to governments around the world to put the words into action, through adequate resources and brave political leadership.”

“While we are disappointed by this issue, the Declaration as a whole should help to mobilize a more effective worldwide response. It is now up to governments around the world to put the words into action, through adequate resources and brave political leadership.”