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World AIDS Day, December 1, is an opportunity
to remember the more than 25 million people who have died
from AIDS and to support the nearly 33 million people who
are currently living with HIV around the world. It is also
a time to recommit ourselves to compassionate action and the
power of partnerships between Mexico and the United States
— partnerships that are creating new hope.
Our 2007 theme for World AIDS Day is “The Power of Partnerships,”
highlighting the successes and future promise of joint collaborations
in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Working together, the people
of Mexico and the United States can and will achieve much
more to prevent and combat HIV/AIDS.
Recognizing that HIV/AIDS was a global health emergency requiring
immediate action, in 2003, President George W. Bush led the
United States in restoring hope by establishing the five-year,
$15 billion President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
In 2007, the United States’ commitment to Mexico for AIDS
prevention, as part of the Emergency Plan, was over $2 million
dollars. The results achieved, in partnership with the Government
of Mexico’s own successful national HIV/AIDS strategy, have
been striking. The Emergency Plan supports Mexico’s proposals,
helping to assist a comprehensive and effective national response
that can be sustained for the long term.
Building on success so far, on May 30, 2007, President Bush
announced his intention to work with the U.S. Congress to
renew the Emergency Plan. His five-year, $30 billion dollar
proposal would be in addition to the United States’ initial
$15 billion dollar commitment made in 2003.
The success of the Emergency Plan is firmly rooted in teamwork.
The people of Mexico are the leaders in the local Mexican
fight against AIDS, and the American people are cooperative
partners, working hand in hand together — including government,
non-governmental organizations, and the private sector — to
build systems and to empower individuals and communities.
Over the past three and a half years, we have seen positive
combined efforts in action in Mexico.
The recently released UNAIDS 2007 AIDS Epidemic Update states
that in Latin America, “widespread stigma and discrimination
are hampering efforts to achieve universal access to HIV prevention,
treatment, care and support.” The U.S.-Mexico partnership
supported the establishment of a National Business Council
on HIV/AIDS, known as CONAES (Consejo Nacional Empresarial
sobre SIDA). CONAES, with 31 participating companies from
a range of private sector Mexican and multinational businesses,
continues in the vanguard for non-discriminatory policies
on HIV in the workplace. Launched with U.S. Agency for International
Development support in 2005, CONAES has directly benefited
150,000 Mexican workers, and indirectly effecting an estimated
560,000 family members. The private sector contributed more
than $400,000 dollars in resources to the project, which is
a model for similar efforts in other countries in the region
and around the world.
Looking to the future, in August 2008, Mexico will become
the first Latin American country ever to host the International
AIDS Conference. This biennial event is the largest international
conference for cooperation in the fight against AIDS, and
is expected to draw over 20,000 high-level government officials,
experts, and activists. This important event will provide
an opportunity for Mexico to showcase its national strategy
and demonstrate its regional leadership.
The foundation of success in the endeavor to fight AIDS in
Mexico has been based upon true collaboration. These cooperative
relationships are founded in the profound sense of dignity
and worth of every human life, and in trust and mutual respect
between the peoples of our nations. Working together to unleash
the power of partnerships, the American people and the people
of Mexico are committed to win this fight — together. |
