Message on the occasion of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is December 1, 2011. It is a day of prayer and remembrance for all who are affected by this global pandemic, whether they are HIV-positive or living with AIDS.

World AIDS Day gives us the opportunity to reflect on our shared work, often with other faith-based groups and global partners, to respond to the devastating pandemic of HIV and AIDS in our world, as well as in this country.

Our goal remains to scale up international efforts to provide universal access to prevention, treatment, care and support services.

We have a very long way to go still in the provision of medicines to those who need them. To be able to do that, we must also know who needs treatment and care.

Those most at risk of exposure to HIV do not always know how to protect themselves and often do not have access to the means to do so, such as condoms, clean needles and syringes, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. 

Levels of knowledge of safer sex and HIV remain low in many society, as well as perceptions of personal risk. Even in society where the epidemic has a very high impact, a large proportion of the population do not believe they are at risk. Where prevention efforts decline, HIV infects more people.

Counselling and testing are essential so that people who are infected can know their status, seek care, and using their increased knowledge, change their behaviours to prevent transmission of the virus to others. Those who are tested can also use knowledge of their status to protect themselves.

Motivated and skilled health workers who can provide essential services are the crucial missing link in many societies . WHO's "Treat, Train Retain" plan for a healthy and well supported healthcare workforce is being developed now in 4regions.

My message to businessmen and other Tanzanian of this country when they go abroad on business is that there is one thing above all they can take with them to stop them catching AIDS, and that is the wife.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for all of us – individuals, communities and political

leaders – to take action towards making universal access a reality.