World AIDS Day, 1 December 2007: Message from Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon
Leadership can be found on the international stage and at grassroots level. Some leaders work in classrooms, educating young minds whilst others are seen on the sports field, helping teams work together towards shared dreams. Politicians introduce new policies and laws as part of their efforts to lead countries.
What unites these leaders is a power to prompt change, even when that change seems impossible.
Nelson Mandela said that “it always seems impossible until its done.” Well, many people across the world may believe that we are now facing an impossible battle against HIV/AIDS.
Since the pandemic began over two decades ago, over 65 million people worldwide have become infected. The virus continues to spread with an estimated 4.3 million people – over 11,000 every day – becoming infected in 2006 alone.
These figures, although alarming, must not discourage us. Neither should they be ignored, for this global problem demands a united global response from everyone.
This year marks the half way point between the introduction of the Millennium Development Goals and the target date for attaining them. Although there have been some successes, many countries are making slow progress. This must act as a further alarm to leaders.
Despite the daunting facts, progress has been made since the epidemic began in cases where effective leadership is demonstrated.
Progress was made in 2002 when Botswana became the first African country to distribute free antiretroviral drugs to all those living with HIV/AIDS. By July this year the treatment was being given to more than 90,000 people. In a country with one of the world’s highest HIV prevalence rates, this government programme, which focuses on access to treatment, has led to positive results.
Progress has also been made by Pat Matemilola, who became HIV positive 14 years ago. As the national co-ordinator of the Network of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS, which is based in Nigeria, his campaign to end HIV related discrimination has required constant strength in leadership.
HIV/AIDS is a challenge that demands a concerted response from the Commonwealth. Although Commonwealth countries represent approximately 30 per cent of the world’s population, they carry a disproportionate 60 per cent of the world’s HIV/AIDS burden.
Commonwealth Youth Ambassadors for Positive Living will continue to demonstrate leadership in local communities by helping educate their peers about the HIV pandemic. Whether performing plays in villages or open fields, putting on rock concerts, or visiting schools, their grassroots work aims to dispel stigma, discrimination and ignorance surrounding the virus. We are increasing the number of Commonwealth Young Ambassadors over the next few years with new programmes in Swaziland, Lesotho and Uganda.
The Commonwealth will also continue to train government officials to negotiate for better access to affordable drugs by building the knowledge of trade negotiators. This national work aims to have a direct impact on the world’s leaders.
The World AIDS Day theme this year, ‘Leadership’, is a call to arms. In times of uncertainly, doubt, and concern it is leaders who are looked to. I, therefore call upon all leaders at every level to stand up to the “impossible” and continue working to end the pandemic.
This can be done by continuing to educate the young, ending stigma, finding new treatments, removing bureaucratic barriers to aid and making sure money is spent wisely.
By increasing these and other efforts, as well as maintaining a strong belief that our work is helping, the fight against HIV/AIDS can and will be won.
World AIDS Day, 1 December 2007: Message from Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon
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