Statement From World AIDS Campaign On Appointment Michel Sidibé As New UNAIDS Executive Director

On this 1 December, the 20th Anniversary of World AIDS Day, World AIDS Campaign wish to extend their congratulations to the newly appointed UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé.

In accepting his new position, Mr. Sidibé said that, "We have to ensure that there is strong and long term leadership and financial commitment to respond to AIDS that is grounded in evidence and human rights." In light of the 2008 World AIDS Day theme of leadership we commend Mr. Sidibé and encourage his strong continued leadership in the response to AIDS.

At his current post as UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Sidibé has been a champion in promoting universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support. In addition he has worked within the UN to strengthen partnerships between governments, civil society and people living with HIV.

The World AIDS Campaign and its Global Steering Committee, composed of representatives from youth, women, positive networks, NGOs, media, labor, key populations, faith organizations and business look forward to working collaboratively with the new executive director to continue strengthening civil society campaigning in its goal of achieving universal access by 2010 and holding leaders accountable for their AIDS-related promises.

The World AIDS Campaign, with support of its Global Steering Committee networks, selects the international theme for World AIDS Day each year. "Leadership" under the slogan "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise" is the theme for the 2008 World AIDS Day.

The World AIDS Campaign located in South Africa and The Netherlands, supports, strengthens and connects campaigns that hold leaders accountable for their promises on HIV and AIDS.


Taken from medicalnewstoday.com with permission