The Global Fund (speech)

Thank you, Foreign Minister Støre, for this opportunity to say a few words about an issue very close to my heart. I met with the Global Fund in Geneva and now I am very pleased to welcome you here in Norway.

I have had the opportunity to visit countries facing major AIDS-related challenges. I have seen how society structures and health services are being paralysed by this disease. I have spoken with young HIV positive women about their prospects for the future, seen despair but also hope – and impressive stamina amongst those who are hardest hit.

In my view, there are two tracks to follow:
The first is to secure global access to testing, treatment and care. The second is to ensure that stigma is not a hindrance in the global fight against AIDS.

I believe that the private sector, particularly in countries with high prevalence rates, has an important role to play. Both by protecting its labour force, and by exercising effective corporate social responsibility.

There are two further aspects I want to highlight in this context. One is the importance of using local NGOs as partners to strengthen local civil society. The second is to listen to those affected by the pandemic. I strongly believe that People living with HIV/AIDS is one of our strongest tools in the fight against the disease – not as tokens or symbols – but as highly competent people. It is therefore vital that they are included in the decision making process.

There is tremendous power in this room today. We have different roles and backgrounds, but we are all in the fortunate position of being able to make positive change. I would like to reiterate the headline we were working under at the International AIDS conference in Toronto last year: It is time to deliver.

Thank you.