UN Economic and Social Council
June 30 - July 25, 2003

Agenda Item 7(g)
Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

Statement by
Ambassador Sichan Siv

United States Representative to the
Economic and Social Council

Geneva, Switzerland

July 17, 2003

Madame President,

The United States Government is committed to "turning the tide" against AIDS, and has pledged significant resources accordingly. President Bush's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, recently authorized by Congress, commits $15 billion over five years to the fight against AIDS. The United States' pledge of over $1.6 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria represents approximately forty percent of all pledges to date. President Bush and Secretary Powell have made AIDS a key component of U.S. foreign policy and have made clear their commitment to the international effort.

As President Bush has stated, time is not on our side. Each day over 8,500 people die of AIDS and 14,000 people are newly infected. We all need to recommit ourselves to the fight. All organizations must work together. UNAIDS has played a leading role, and has worked closely with the Global Fund and with traditional bilateral donors. Countries affected can also do more, as the UNGASS Declaration of Commitment makes clear. Leaders can and must speak out against stigma and discrimination.

The United States is pleased that UNAIDS is increasing its efforts at the country level by supporting national leadership in the response to the epidemic; engaging community-based organizations; encouraging and supporting public-private partnerships; and improving monitoring and evaluation systems. Furthermore, UNAIDS is responding to both the Declaration of Commitment and the five year external evaluation by strengthening the UN Theme Groups and increasing effectiveness and accountability at the country level. In sum, UNAIDS is a vital partner in addressing the AIDS threat. We are strongly committed to its success in these endeavors.

The United States is pleased with the expert support that UNAIDS continues to give to the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

We are pleased to see that all Co-sponsors have increased their core resources and that the overall UNAIDS budget for 2004-5 exceeds $522 million.

Thank you Madame President.