The second anniversary of Unite For Children Unite Against AIDS campaign is marked in New Delhi

© UNICEF India/2007

President of India Pratibha Patil (in dark blue) with the delegation which met with her on 25 October in New Delhi to show solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

NEW DELHI, India, 1 November 2007 –  UNICEF and UNAIDS marked the second anniversary of the Unite For Children, Unite Against AIDS campaign in India last month. On 25 October, a delegation met with the President of India Pratibha Patil to show their solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The President gave her full support to the Campaign and promised to help fight the ignorance, myths and misconceptions surrounding HIV/AIDS.

“Raising awareness is the key to fight the stigma and discrimination faced by HIV-positive people, especially women and children,” said Ms. Patil. “No one should discriminate against HIV-affected women and children.”

The delegation was comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, NACO, UNICEF, UNAIDS, and others pledging to fight the stigma and discrimination faced by HIV/AIDS affected women and children.

Sharing experiences

On the occasion of the anniversary, women and children who are living with HIV shared some of their life experiences with the President. Ms. Patil also met with peer educators who presented her with artwork about stigma and discrimination.

President Patil stressed the need for age-appropriate treatment and testing as well as the reduction of stigma and discrimination  A child living with HIV presented Ms. Patil with a ‘Suraksha Bandhan’ – a blue and red band signifying the fight against HIV/AIDS.

 “Since its launch two years ago, the campaign has transformed the lives of thousands of children and their families. Great progress has been achieved on prevention and early detection of HIV infection in children, access to care and treatment and the fight against discrimination, notably in schools,” said Country Coordinator for UNAIDS in India Dr. Dennis Broun. “Many famous personalities have supported this fight and their engagement has been crucial. There is more to be done and the whole UN family will continue the fight against HIV/AIDS in India.”