Press statement

UNAIDS welcomes the creation of the Republic of South Sudan


GENEVA, 9 July 2011—The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) joins the UN family and the international community in welcoming the creation today of the Republic of South Sudan.

“UNAIDS pledges its full support to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his new government,” said Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director. “We look forward to working closely with government and civil society in the Republic of South Sudan to support its national AIDS response,” he added.

Available data suggest that South Sudan has a significant HIV epidemic. More than 1% of pregnant women using antenatal services in South Sudan are living with HIV, according to the 2010 UNAIDS Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic.

Though South Sudan faces substantial development challenges, UNAIDS is encouraged by the strong commitment shown by its National AIDS Council and the engagement of civil society. UNAIDS is committed to supporting both Sudan and South Sudan in their efforts to expand HIV prevention, treatment, care and support to all in need.


Contact

UNAIDS Geneva
Saira Stewart
tel. +41 79 467 2013
stewarts@unaids.org

Press centre

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