David Cameron: This World AIDS Day we must renew our determination to save lives at home and abroad
In his message for World AIDS Day 2013, the Prime Minister David Cameron said we all need to “renew our determination” to saving lives, both at home and abroad.
World AIDS Day is a hugely important moment both here in Britain, and around the globe. It is a moment to reflect on the progress made, but it is also a reminder of how much more we still have to do.
In recent years there have been huge advances in treating HIV, and that means that, if diagnosed early enough and treated properly, someone with HIV can live as long as someone without it. But too often stigma and myth prevent that from happening. People are too afraid to go for tests, and it isn’t caught early enough.
It is estimated that 20% of the people in Britain living with HIV don’t know they have the condition. We have got to bring that number down and get people the treatment that they need. We have go to put every effort possible into education and awareness.
What more, we have go to fight discrimination against HIV everywhere we see it. Today is also a moment to remember our lasting commitment to the developing world.
The UK has already dedicated a billion pounds to the global fund to fight AIDS, TB and malaria. In the years ahead, we’ve got to show every bit as much commitment abroad as we do at home. This is what World AIDS Day is all about – renewing our determination and saving lives.
On this important day let us all pledge to fight HIV and AIDS with everything we’ve got, and make sure that we in this generation weren’t found wanting.
As well as Mr Cameron, the Deputy Prime Minister and the leader of the Opposition both pledged their ongoing support for people living with HIV and commitment to tackling HIV in the UK and abroad.
David Cameron is the Prime Minster of Great Britain and the leader of the Conservative Party.
