H.E. RATU EPELI NAILATIKAU - ADDRESS AT THE LEADERSHIP FORUM: ASIA AND THE PACIFIC – GETTING TO THE THREE ZEROS

21/11/2013


HIS EXCELLENCY RATU EPELI NAILATIKAU
CF, LVO, OBE (Mil), OStJ, CSM, MSD
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI
-------------------------------------------------------------------

ADDRESS AT THE LEADERSHIP FORUM: ASIA AND THE PACIFIC – GETTING TO THE THREE ZEROS
11th INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON AIDS IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ICAAP 11)
------------------------------------------------------------

Bangkok Thursday 21st November, 2013
THAILAND 1030hrs
------------------------------------------------------------------

Distinguished participants and friends

In bringing today’s session to a close, I would like to stress that the next phase of the response to AIDS in Asia begins today.

I strongly believe that the region has the technical expertise and good practices informed by evidence, needed to take us to the next step in ending AIDS in the region.

What we may not have, in some instances, are sufficient financial resources and the political will. But it would be tragic, indeed, if that was used as an excuse for us not trying.

While situations are not optimal in some countries we must do what we can with the resources we have and have faith that the required resources and commitment will soon follow.

As we have agreed, we need to:

• Increase focus on geographical areas of highest burden and key populations at higher risk (especially men who have sex with men)

• Improve HIV testing. Same-day results and community-based HIV testing and counselling must be introduced and scaled up.

• Maximize the benefits of antiretroviral treatment. Early therapy initiation is vital and significantly reduces the risk of onward HIV transmission.

• Address stigma and discrimination.

• Put communities at the centre, and

• Make smart investments that will give us maximum return.

For my part, you can count on me to continue to advocate for increased domestic funding for the AIDS response in the Asia and Pacific region and to continue to look for every opportunity for more efficient use of the resources that we have.

And, I will continue to lobby leaders throughout the Asia and Pacific region – particularly those who, for whatever reason, seem to balk at making critical but necessary choices to protect the lives and human rights of people infected with or vulnerable to HIV. I will look them in the eye and ask them if they want to join us on the right side of history and humanity.

Thank you.