MEDIA ADVISORY

 Note No 141
3 May 2001

UNITED NATIONS TO HOLD FIRST SPECIAL SESSION
 ON HIV/AIDS, 25-27 JUNE 2001

 Governments Will Convene to Plan Intensified Action
To Combat the Global Epidemic

The United Nations will hold a Special Session on HIV/AIDS to galvanize leadership at the highest levels, intensify international action and mobilize the resources needed to combat the epidemic. The Special Session, to take place from 25 to 27 June 2001 at UN Headquarters in New York, will be the first ever to address a public health issue.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and high-level government delegations will address:

  • The importance of political leadership in developing effective responses and decreasing the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS
  • Encouraging all sectors of society to play a major role
  • Increasing resources for treatment, prevention, and care
  • Preventing new infections and alleviating the social and economic impact of the epidemic
  • Access to care and the development of new technologies and treatments that are both effective and affordable

Governments are expected to adopt a Declaration of Commitment setting targets and timetables. In addition to statements in the Plenary, four interactive round tables will discuss human rights, international funding and cooperation, prevention and care, and the socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS. These will involve participants from NGOs, the private sector and other civil society groups. A full programme of press conferences and special events will provide additional media opportunities.

MEDIA ACCREDITATION

UN accreditation required for all journalists. Media accreditation forms can be found at www.un.org/ga/aids/media. Fax completed forms to (+1 212) 963-4642. Confirm receipt by calling (+1 212) 963-7164/6934. No acknowledgement will be sent. All applications for accreditation must be accompanied by a letter of assignment from the Editor or Bureau Chief on media letterhead.

Press materials, schedules and more information on media arrangements will be posted as they become available, at www.un.org/ga/aids/media.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Dominique De Santis, UNAIDS Geneva
 tel: (+41 22) 791 4509

Pragati Pascale, UN Department of Public Information, New York
 tel: (+1 212) 963 6870

Andrew Shih, UNAIDS New York
 tel: (+1 212) 584 5024

 Or your local UN Information Centre