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Call for action marks start of the XV International AIDS Conference in Bangkok
XV International AIDS Conference Press Release. 11 July 2004.
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Bangkok today welcomed more than 17,000 delegates from over 160 countries to the XV International AIDS Conference, with an official Opening Ceremony attended by world renowned scientists, political leaders, youth, communities, non-governmental organisations, people living with HIV/AIDS, religious, intellectual and private sector leaders, and representatives of the arts and entertainment arenas.
?“Asia is home to one-quarter of all new infections in the world each year,?” said Conference Co-Chair, Dr. Vallop Thaineua of the Thai Ministry of Public Health. ?“As local host of the first International AIDS Conference to be held in Southeast Asia, Thailand is proud to welcome all delegates and looks forward to sharing both our successes and challenges.?”
The Conference theme "Access for All" underscores the urgent need for access to HIV-related science, prevention, treatment and resources for all people of the world, regardless of geography.
?“It is the responsibility of all delegates assembled here, and the world?’s leaders, to ensure that the Conference theme of Access for All has life beyond Bangkok,?” said Dr. Joep Lange, Conference Co-Chair and President of the International AIDS Society. ?“We can no longer accept more talking. We must commit to action now.?”
In keeping with this theme, and in light of the fact that only 7% of the 5-6 million people who need HIV treatment in low- and middle-income countries had access by the end of 2003, the first day of the Conference began with a march organised by Thai and international activists demanding global access to HIV treatments.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony on the need for leadership in the fight against AIDS, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said, ?“We need leaders everywhere to demonstrate that speaking up about AIDS is a point of pride, not a source of shame. There must be no more sticking heads in the sand, no more embarrassment, no more hiding behind a veil of apathy. Leadership means respecting and upholding the human rights of all who are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS ?– whether sex workers, drug users, or men who have sex with men.?”
In his remarks, Prime Minister of Thailand, Honourable Thaksin Shinawatra announced Thailand?’s commitment to providing antiretroviral treatment to all those who require it. ?“I will never cease my commitment to support universal coverage of antiretroviral treatment to people with HIV and AIDS,?” said the Prime Minister. ?“There is no time for complacency.?”
Additional highlights of the Opening Ceremony included: a candlelight memorial ceremony hosted by Prime Minister Shinawatra and Miss Universe 2004, Jennifer Hawkins; songs from Thailand and Kenya performed by children affected by HIV/AIDS; and an opening film, ?“Global youth in a world with HIV/AIDS.?”
An estimated 38 million people are living with HIV/AIDS globally. In 2003 alone, 2.9 million people died and another 4.8 million were newly infected with HIV. There are 14,000 new infections each day, more than 40% of which are among young people 15-24 years of age and 2,000 of which among children under age 15.
The XV International AIDS Conference is being held in Bangkok, Thailand from 11-16 July. In addition to welcoming over 17,000 delegates, the Conference hosts more than 3,000 journalists. More than 3,300 delegates received scholarship funds to attend the Conference, most of whom are from developing countries. |
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