Remarks by George Deikun, USAID India Mission Director atAt World AIDS Day Commemoration 2007, American Center, New Delhi

November 30, 2007

George Deikun receiving from Dr. Chikhola Thangsing the music video "Song of Hope" shown at the World AIDS Day event. Photo Credit: Nochiketa Mohanty/AHF-IndiaCares

It is my honor to be here today at this event in observance of World AIDS Day. The global theme for tomorrow’s World AIDS Day 2007 is “Leadership”. We, in the U.S. Government, are also celebrating “the Power of Partnerships” to support leaders at all levels in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We have seen that leadership and collaborative action can positively affect the state of the epidemic, support governments, private companies and the NGO community in providing services, and shape the way people with HIV/AIDS are treated. This evening’s events will show different aspects of leadership on this important issue from around the world.

World AIDS Day is the time to remember the over 25 million people who have died from HIV/AIDS. Before we continue the program, I ask you to join me in a moment of silence to honor them and consider the meaning and purpose of World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day is also when we recommit ourselves to support the 33 million people throughout the world who are currently living with HIV, including approximately 2.5 million people in India. We must always remember that this disease is preventable, and that we can lessen its impact through treatment. People with HIV can live healthy, successful lives and be effective leaders in prevention and care – and many are doing so around the world with low-cost, high quality anti-retroviral medications produced here in India. The successes achieved through the strong leadership of such individuals, organizations and governments as well as partnerships, such as that between the United States and India in fighting HIV/AIDS, demonstrate that our actions do make a difference.

This year the Government of India has shown great leadership in rolling out the third National AIDS Control Program (NACP III (2007-2012)). The NACP III was designed with consultation at the national, state and district levels drawing from the experiences of the earlier programs and is aimed at halting and reversing the epidemic in India over the next five years by integrating programs for prevention, care, support and treatment. The proposed budget of nearly 12,000 crore rupees or US $2.9 billion is a robust commitment made by the Government of India to fighting HIV/AIDS. We should all commend the Government’s leadership.

In recognition of HIV/AIDS as a global health emergency requiring action, President George W. Bush led the United States in establishing the five-year, $15 billion President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003. On May 30, 2007, President Bush announced his intention to work with the U.S. Congress to renew the Emergency Plan for the US Government to sustain its support to people around the world battling with HIV/AIDS - with improved treatment and care. This five-year, $30 billion proposal is in addition to the United States’ initial $15 billion commitment.

In 2007, the United States’ commitment to India was $30 million, increased from $16 million in 2003. The United States’ HIV/AIDS program in India is firmly rooted in support for the National AIDS Control Program. We work hand in hand as partners with the National AIDS Control Organization, state AIDS control societies, non-governmental organizations including faith and community-based organizations, and the private sector to build systems to empower individuals and communities.

The people of nations such as India are the leaders in this fight, and the role of the U.S. is to support them. We partner with technical and academic institutions to increase knowledge, transfer best worldwide practices and strengthen capacity to address HIV/AIDS. In July of this year, the Government of India announced new estimates of the number of infected persons in India as of 2006, with a new prevalence rate of 0.36 of the total population. India’s revised numbers are of global importance. Last week the United Nations reduced its estimate of the number of HIV positive people in the world from approximately 40 million to 33 million.  In its report, the UN indicated "the single biggest reason for this reduction was the intensive exercise to assess India's HIV epidemic, which resulted in major revision of that country's estimate".   These more accurate numbers are based in part on inputs from the third National Family Health Survey, to which USAID contributed technical and financial support. Over 100,000 people were tested for HIV in the survey, the first national population-based survey to include a component on HIV. Even with the lower than originally forecasted number of infected people in India of 2.5 million, India still has the third highest infection level in the world, after South Africa and Nigeria. By working to establish a clearer picture of the disease in India, the national and state governments, non-governmental organizations and donors are better able to target prevention and care programming.

This is a time to redouble our efforts since India has the opportunity to get ahead of the curve on HIV/AIDS. Leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS involves increasing knowledge, expanding systems, and working with both the public and private sector. Indian corporations such as Bharat Petroleum, Vizag Steel Company and TATA are taking leadership roles in actively fighting HIV/AIDS to ensure healthy employees and continued growth for India. In the high prevalence states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka, over 730 companies are engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS with U.S. government support.

Indians living with HIV/AIDS are also taking leadership roles in advocating for complete care and recognition – creating public awareness and combating stigmatization. People like Manoj Pardesi, Ms. Kaushalya and here with us today -Mr. Snehansu Bhadur of the Indian Network of Positive People – and many more – are working to improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS. They have been instrumental in training speakers and community leaders in telling their stories, personally demonstrating their commitment, courage and vulnerability, thus inspiring the next level of leadership and changing the lives of thousands.

Each partner in the fight brings important resources, skills and passion. These partnerships are founded on 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 in partnership the American and Indian people are committed to winning this fight against HIV/AIDS – together. I welcome the opportunity to join with you this evening to observe World AIDS Day and encourage all us to be leaders in the fight against the disease.