HUANG XUEQI, Press Release of Statement at General Assemble will Convene HIV/AIDS Special Session 25-27 June 2001 to Secure Global Commitment to Combat Epidemic

HUANG XUEQI said the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS was a global public health and social problem, with more than 33 million people infected. It had caused heavy social burdens in many developing countries, triggering serious crises in Africa, where the gains of economic development could be wiped out if the international community did not take immediate action. China noted that no country had escaped HIV/AIDS, which was the common enemy of humanity.

He urged the international community not to feel helpless before the devastation of AIDS, because there were international organizations, particularly UNAIDS and the World Health Organization (WHO), which had taken significant action to combat the pandemic. The global spread of HIV/AIDS required the mobilization of international forces to work together to battle the disease. The Government of China called for the personal involvement of government leaders in mobilizing at the grass-roots level.

It was necessary, he continued, to take measures to resolve the problem. They included political commitment, financial support and the lowering of drug prices for the victims of HIV/AIDS. The decision to convene a special session on AIDS would raise society抯 awareness and strengthen political will. He believed preparations should begin early to ensure the success of the upcoming special session. In closing, he recognized the challenge of HIV/AIDS to China, which was taking various measures to address the crisis: focusing on prevention advocacy; promoting the participation of society at large; and attaching importance to the special session.
 

http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2000/20001103.ga9809.doc.html