Secretary Sebelius hosts German Minister of Health, Daniel Bahr

German Minister of Health Daniel Bahr and his delegation met with Secretary Sebelius on July 23, 2012. The German Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Peter Ammon also participated in the meeting. Minister Bahr was in Washington, DC to attend the AIDS 2012 Conference.  The Secretary and Minister discussed health care reform in the United States and a new law on pharmaceuticals in Germany.  Minister Bahr also shared positive experiences in improving the HIV situation in Germany, including a reduction in new infection rates through implementing an efficient needle exchange program and a successful campaign on reduction in stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS.  Germany is an important partner on global health security issues through the Global Health Security Initiative (GHSI).  Minister Bahr invited the Secretary to attend 13th GHSI Ministerial meeting that Germany is hosting in Berlin in December 2012.