UNAIDS Director Calls for Minimum US$ 3 Billion for HIV Care and Prevention in Africa, Nearly Ten Times Current Spending

epidemic that stated that as many as two out of three15-year-olds in the hardest hit African
nations, such as Botswana, are expected to die of AIDS.
In sub-Sahararn Africa, the region hardest hit by AIDS, there were 4 million new HIV infections
during 1999 and the epidemic continues to spread. AIDS now kills ten times more people a year
than war on the African continent. Against this backdrop, activists, scientists and political leaders
have gathered in Durban from 9-14 July to find ways to slow the epidemic's spread and to break
the silence that surrounds it.
Conference Focuses on Addressing and Combating the Stigma of HIV/AIDS
A UNAIDS press conference also held here today addressed strategies to combat the stigma
attached to HIV/AIDS. Stigma is blamed for much of the harm caused by AIDS, and the Durban
conference theme is "Break the Silence." Many people infected with HIV face discrimination from
colleagues, friends, and at times loved ones. They may lose their homes or jobs, and some have
even been killed. Denial goes hand in hand with discrimination, and many people deny that HIV
exists in their communities. This prevents those infected from seeking care and hampers open
discussion that could help people take preventive action.
"As we stand on the threshold of a new millennium overshadowed by the real destruction caused
by this virus, AIDS 2000 will focus on the pressing need to further break down the prejudices and
barriers that prevent the full development of an effective response," said Professor Hoosen
Coovadia, Conference Chair. "In the spirit of an open forum, we will look collectively for ways to
bring the attention of the public, governments, and international organizations to the urgent
challenge of fully addressing HIV/AIDS in health care, social policy, research and economic
issues."
"The global silences on HIV/AIDS have been based in ignorance, fear, and denial. Although some
of these silences have been broken, the world is still surrounded by far too much ignorance and
fear, which could so easily be changed if we all play our part," said Shaun Mellors, Conference
Community Coordinator.
While HIV is primarily spread globally through sexual behaviour, the subjects of sex and sexually
transmitted infections remain taboo. Still, UNAIDS has noted hopeful signs that more individuals
and political leaders are speaking out. A number of heads of state have begun speaking publicly
about AIDS, breaking the silence and leading by example. But silence usually remains the rule, at
least in everyday life.
Another of the speakers at today's press conference was Fezeka Kuzwayo, one of the few of
South Africa's 4.2 million individuals living with HIV who has spoken publicly about her disease.
For more information, please contact Anne Winter, UNAIDS, Media Center, Durban, (+27 31)
332.2031, mobiles (+41 79) 213.4312 and (+27 82) 858.0891, Mark Aurigemma, UNAlDS,
Durban. (+27 82) 858.0720, Dominique de Santis, UNAIDS, Geneva, (+41 22) 791.4509 or Emily
Krasnor, UNAIDS, New York, (+1 212) 584.5024. You may also visit the UNAIDS Home Page on
the Intemet for more information about the programme (http://www.unaids.org).