During the last few years, great progress has been made in the fight against the HIV and AIDS. The number of new cases is falling in most parts of the world, and ever more people who are HIV-positive have access today to anti-retroviral drugs.

However, much remains to be done. We have not yet achieved the goal of truly halting the spread of AIDS. There is still no cure or vaccines against this disease. In some regions, rates of infection are even continuing to rise.

We have to do more than hitherto to raise awareness and foster prevention and work together more closely around the world on the development of new drugs and therapies. Moreover, we are committed to fighting discrimination of any kind.