The message delivered by scores of speakers on the second day of the three-day UN High Level Meeting on AIDS is that most countries are making progress but increased efforts have to be made with greater cooperation needed among nations. The meeting on Thursday marked 30 years of the global pandemic.
Briefly listing some of the steps taken, Chinese vice health minister Yin Li focused on efforts to achieve the UNAIDS goal of the three Zs -- " Zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths."
He stressed that AIDS prevention and treatment in China is an important component in the global fight against AIDS and that universal access to drugs and technology remains a top priority. He called on nations as well as companies to help do their role to combat the deadly disease.
China’s Deputy Health Minister Yin Li said, "The private sector and relevant organizations must assume more responsibilities. On one hand, efforts should be made to mobilize more resources in better prevention, treatment and care measures.
On the other hand, multinational drug manufacturers should reduce prices of drugs and testing equipment through technology transfer, contract manufacturing and reduction of monopoly profits in order to provide universal access to treatment services."
In the case of developing countries, gratitude was expressed for past help but more aid is needed to continue the battle.
Brazil's Foreign Minister said funding is key in the fight against AIDS.
He hoped the conference would help urge member states to keep up financing for UNAIDS projects.
Brazil’s Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota said, "Very important to keep the financing for efforts directed at HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria and other diseases at a high level. We are concerned that some donors are disengaging so this conference can also help to drive that message home."
At the end of the three-day meeting, world leaders will adopt a resolution to commit to the 2015 deadline, called "Getting to Zero". Initiated by UNAIDS, the resolution will commit nations to work aggressively to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and provide treatment to as many of those affected as possible over the next four years.