Two major stars of the footballing world have joined forces to encourage young people in China to get informed and protect themselves from HIV. UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Youth and China-Africa Collaboration, Gervinho, and UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador for China, Shao Jiayi took part in an event with Chinese media called Sports For Change which was moderated by another UNAIDS National Goodwill Ambassador, the television personality, James Chau. The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, also attended the event in Beijing.

The event on 26 July honoured Gervinho in his new role. The football star, whose full name is Kouassi Gervais Yao moved to China in January 2016 to play for the Chinese Super League team, Hebei China Fortune. Originally from Côte d’Ivoire, Gervinho is already active in promoting HIV awareness and prevention to young people in Africa and will expand this work in China.

Shao Jiayi has actively used his popularity in China to speak up on issues surrounding HIV, highlight the challenges faced by people living with HIV in their everyday lives and encourage young people to take up leadership roles in the AIDS response.

Mr Sidibé, who is on a five-day visit to China, thanked the two football stars and Mr Chau for their continued efforts to reduce the impact of the AIDS epidemic in China and around the world. He also underlined how new HIV infections had to be stopped and stressed the role that Gervinho and Shao Jiayi could play in raising HIV awareness among young people.        

At the end of 2015, there were 3.9 million young people aged 15 to 24 living with HIV and 670 000 new HIV infections among this age group. 

Quotes

Red paper ribbons with inscriptions hang like leaves from a baobab-like papier mâché tree. Standing by her creation in the middle of the Global Village at the 21st International AIDS Conference, being held in Durban, South Africa, Michelle Vogelzang is beaming. Her AIDS SolidariTree has travelled far.

Made of the dense foam used to make surfboards, children in Lesotho covered the 11-part sculpture with paper, giving it a bark-like exterior. School students painted the tree in Pretoria, South Africa, writing words related to solidarity in the 11 official languages of both countries.

Unity, stop discrimination and ubuntu wind their way around the branches in multicoloured lettering.

“SolidariTree is a visual declaration designed by youth as a way for them to communicate on how to end HIV stigma and for everyone else to add their voice,” said Ms Vogelzang.

Originally from Durban, she now works in Lesotho. She said the idea of the interactive ribbon sculpture came to her because, in her opinion, HIV is not the killer, discrimination is.

“There is no way we should not be ending this epidemic because we have treatment and health-care facilities, but if you have stigma you are not going to get people tested, treated or even sharing their status,” she said as passers-by stared at the multiple ribbon leaves.

On opening day, the SolidariTree had 500 “leaves”—red ribbon messages from children who could not attend the conference.

Albertina Nyatsi took one of the red paper strips lying on a table. Without hesitating, she wrote something down quickly. The Durbanite stapled the strip, creating a ribbon, and pinned it on the sculpture.

“I was one of the first women in Swaziland to show what HIV looked like, so I wanted to make sure that I got my message across that we should not discriminate,” she said. “I am here because in 1997 I had tuberculosis and then I was tested for HIV and was found to be HIV-positive.”

The tree has grown and now has more than 4000 ribbons hanging from it. The project, entirely crowdfunded, cost around US$ 4000.

“Contributions came mostly from the United States of America and Canada,” Ms Vogelzang explained. In a way, all those people who supported the art exhibition are in South Africa with the tree,” she added. A true sign of solidarity.

Ms Vogelzang is hoping her tree will grow roots beyond the conference and will live on to inspire children, teenagers and adults alike.

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé has presented the President of Xinhua News Agency, Cai Mingzhao with the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award in recognition of his leadership as a media partner and his contribution to the AIDS response

BEIJING, 28 July 2016—In recognition of the key role that media plays in the Fast-Track response to ending the AIDS epidemic, Cai Mingzhao, the President of Xinhua News Agency, has been presented with the UNAIDS Leaders and Innovators Award at an event held during a joint cooperation visit to Xinhua headquarters in Beijing, China.

The award recognizes Mr Cai’s efforts towards reaching the globally shared vision of Zero new HIV infections, Zero discrimination and Zero AIDS-related deaths. 

“Mr Cai is a leader with vision. He understands that the three zeros are not just about the numbers but about social justice and inclusion," said the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé. “AIDS is not over in any part of the world and Mr Cai’s leadership is helping to ensure that HIV remains at the forefront of public awareness so that no one is left behind.”

With Mr Cai at the helm of Xinhua, the media news group has promoted public awareness of HIV in China and abroad. During the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS in June 2016, Xinhua showcased UNAIDS “Fast-Track to an AIDS-Free Generation” message on a giant electronic screen in Times Square, New York. In addition, the group is working with UNAIDS to promote zero discrimination messages through social media and other platforms. 

“We understand that the fight against AIDS requires concerted efforts from the whole of society — especially the media.” said Mr Cai. “We have a key role to play to ending AIDS." 

UNAIDS recognizes the unique role of the media in the global effort to end the AIDS epidemic. Media is able to reach billions of people with important life-saving messages and to encourage engagement and action. With more than 30 domestic branches and nearly 170 offices overseas, Xinhua is one of the largest news agencies in the world.

The Vice-Minister of Information at the Office of the State Council, Guo Weimin, underlined the importance of Xinhua’s contribution. "Xinhua News Agency is an active supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promotes efforts to involve more people in achieving these aims."

The Vice-Minister of the National Health and Family Planning Committee, Cui Li said, "The cooperation between Xinhua News and UNAIDS is a good example of multi-sector participation and cooperation in advancing the AIDS response."  

In March 2016, UNAIDS and Xinhua signed a two-year Memorandum of Understanding of Strategic Cooperation to find innovative solutions to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Quilts of various sizes, colours and shapes ripple like waves by the various entrances to the Durban International Conference Centre, hosting the 21st International AIDS Conference. Laid out or hung up, inscriptions vary from “Empower together we shall win” to “Positive link.” The AIDS Quilt Project is back in South Africa telling the story of the journey from Durban 2000—the last time the AIDS conference took place in the city—to Durban 2016.

In 2000, fewer than one million people had access to life-saving treatment and South Africa had the greatest number of people living with HIV.

“In 2016, we wanted to tell this journey and how we came from a time of loss and death and stigma and discrimination to where we are now, where we can talk about treatment and HIV, and we are much more open,” explained Kanya Ndaki, from the South African National AIDS Council. She added, “The quilts visually tell the story.”

Communities, schools, nongovernmental organizations, the health department and civil society partners submitted their decorated cloth panels from across the country. More than 450 in total were collected. Many grace the grounds of the conference, with a few quilts dating back to 2000.

“Blesser”

One quilt told the story of the sugar daddy phenomenon, known in South Africa as “blessers,” depicted schoolgirls in pigtails with an iPhone in hand and big purses next to a grey-haired man in a fancy car.

Young women and adolescent girls make more than 70% of new HIV infections in Sub-saharan Africa. A rate two and a half times greater than boys of the same age. Many point the finger at the fact that young women are having sex with much older partners unlike their male peers.

Prison story full of optimism

Ms Ndaki proudly showed off a quilt hanging prominently outside the entrance to the Global Village—a space open to the general public. “This quilt came from the Department of Correctional Services, a prison in Pretoria,” she said pointing to the long orange-hued panel. “Care for me, I care for you,” “Take courage,” “Love life” and “Condomize” grace the panel. Initially, prisoners were to sew different panels together, but in the end they designed their very own creation.

“It is a very powerful quilt and it was one of the ones displayed when government officials handed over the quilts to the South African National AIDS Council for the Durban AIDS Conference,” she said as two women posed for selfies with the quilt in the background.

DURBAN, 19 July 2016—Ten exceptional community-based organizations have won the 2016 Red Ribbon Award for their inspiring work towards ending or reducing the impact of the AIDS epidemic. They were presented with the prize in a special session at the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) in Durban, South Africa.

“Across regions and cultures, communities are showing the world that ending AIDS is possible. Their courage, innovation and leadership is helping us overcome barriers and better respond to the needs of those most affected by the epidemic.” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe.

The 2016 winning organizations are from Burundi, Mexico, Belize, Kenya, Nigeria, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Nepal, Chile, and New Zealand. Almost 1,000 nominations were received from more than 120 countries, for the Award, which is hosted by UNAIDS in partnership with AIDS 2016, the Global Network of People Living with HIV, the International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS, the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations and Irish Aid. A global panel of civil society representatives selected the finalists from a shortlist determined by regional panels.

Each of the winning organizations will receive a US$ 10,000 grant and have been invited to participate in AIDS 2016, where they organize the Community Dialogue Space in the Global Village.

At the Red Ribbon Award special session, the winners were congratulated by Her Royal Highness, Princess Mabel van Oranje of the Netherlands; Her Royal Highness, Princess Tessy of Luxembourg;  Minister of Health and Child Welfare of Zimbabwe, David Parirenyatwa; Former President of Fiji H.E. Epeli Nailatikau, and Jan Beagle, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS.

“Community-based organizations are taking the lead in shaping the course of the AIDS response. The organizations here today - recipients of the 2016 Red Ribbon Award - are examples to us all of what it truly means to fast track the AIDS response, and to do so in a way which is inclusive, and that advances human rights and gender equality”, Jan Beagle, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDS

The Red Ribbon Award was first presented in 2006 and since then has been awarded every two years at the International AIDS Conference. This year there were five award categories.

Category one: Good Health & Wellbeing (SDG 3)

Réseau National des Jeunes vivants avec le VIH/SIDA

Colectivo Seres, A.C. 

C-Net+

Category two: Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

Kenya Sex Worker’s Alliance

Positive Action for Treatment Access (PATA)

Category three: Gender Equality (SDG 5)

Tehran Positive Club

Chitwan Sakriya Women’s Foundation

Category four: Just, Peaceful, & Inclusive Societies (SDG 16)

YouthRISE

Red Nacional de Pueblos Originarios en Respuesta al SIDA

Category five: Global Partnerships (SDG 17)

INA Foundation

About the Sponsors

UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

UN partners
The UN partners involved in the Red Ribbon Award initiative bring together the efforts and resources of all UNAIDS Cosponsors and the UNAIDS Secretariat.

AIDS 2016
The XXI International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policy makers, persons living with HIV and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. It is a chance for stakeholders to take stock of where the epidemic is, evaluate recent scientific developments and lessons learnt, and collectively chart a course forward. AIDS 2016 will be held in Durban, South Africa from 18 to 22 July 2016. (www.aids2016.org). The International AIDS Society is the convener and custodian of the conference.

Global Network of People Living with HIV
GNP+ is the global network for and by people living with HIV. GNP+ advocates to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV. Driven by the needs of people living with HIV worldwide, GNP+ supports people living with HIV through their organizations and networks. GNP+ works to ensure equitable access to health and social services, by focusing on social justice, rights and more meaningful involvement of people living with HIV in programme and policy development – the GIPA principle. (www.gnpplus.net)

International Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS
ICW Global emerged to look for answers facing the desperate lack of support, information and services available for women living with HIV. The organization promotes the leadership and involvement of women living with HIV in spaces where policies and programmes are developed and implemented and where the decisions that affect the life of thousands of people who live with the virus are made. The vision is for a just world where women living with HIV are leaders in HIV programmes and policy and realize their universal rights. They dream of a world where women, young women, girls, adolescents living with HIV have full access to care and treatment and enjoy all of their rights: sexual, reproductive, legal, economic and health, regardless of culture, age, religion, sexuality, race or socio-economic status. (www.icwglobal.org)

International Council of AIDS Service Organizations
Founded in 1991, the International Council of AIDS Service Organizations’ (ICASO) mission is to mobilize and support diverse community organizations to build an effective global response to end AIDS. This is done within a vision of a world where people living with and affected by HIV can enjoy life free from stigma, discrimination, and persecution, and have access to prevention, treatment and care. The ICASO network operates globally, regionally and locally, and reaches over 100 countries internationally. (www.icaso.org)

Irish Aid
Irish Aid is the Government of Ireland's programme of assistance to developing countries. Its aid philosophy is rooted in Ireland's foreign policy, in particular its objectives of peace and justice. The international development policy "One World, One Future" reflects Ireland's longstanding commitment to human rights and fairness in international relations and is inseparable from Irish foreign policy as a whole. The Irish Aid programme has as its absolute priority the reduction of poverty, inequality and exclusion in developing countries, with a strong geographic focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. Improving access to quality essential social services such as health, education, services related to HIV and AIDS, and social protection is seen as key to the realisation of human rights, the reduction of poverty, hunger and inequality and the promotion of inclusive economic growth. (http://www.irishaid.gov.ie)

About the Red Ribbon Award
The red ribbon is a global symbol in the movement to address AIDS. The Red Ribbon Award, presented every two years at the International AIDS Conference, is designed to honor and celebrate community based organizations for their outstanding initiatives that show leadership in reducing the spread and impact of AIDS. The award is a joint effort of the UNAIDS family and as such, this year it will place particular emphasis on the organization's newly approved global priority areas of action.

The Red Ribbon Award was first given in 2006 and has recognized 85 organizations from over 50 different countries since then as leading community-based responses to AIDS. Such organizations lie at the heart of the response to the AIDS epidemic – displaying extraordinary courage, resilience and strength in addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time. Using creative and sustainable ways to promote prevention of sexual transmission, and prevention among people who use drugs, provide treatment, care, and support to people living with HIV and demonstrating innovation in the face of stigma and discrimination through advocacy and human rights, and stopping new HIV infections in children and keeping mothers alive, and taking care of women’s health, these examples of community leadership are showing us in practical terms how to reverse a global epidemic – one community at a time.

Former United Nations Secretary-General recognized for his outstanding and remarkable contributions to the AIDS response

GENEVA, 13 June 2016—UNAIDS has honoured former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan with the UNAIDS Award for Leadership in recognition of the outstanding and remarkable contributions he has made to the global response to HIV. Mr Annan was presented with the award by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibé, at the 2016 UNAIDS fundraising gala, held in Basel, Switzerland.

“On behalf of UNAIDS I would like to recognize all you have done and continue to do to restore the dignity and improve the lives of people around the world,” said Mr Sidibé. “You have helped to build a fairer, more peaceful world.”

When Mr Annan began his tenure as the new United Nations Secretary-General in 1997, the outlook for the AIDS epidemic was bleak. Some 23.9 million [21.7 million–26.6 million] people were living with HIV, there were 3.5 million [3.2 million–3.8 million] new HIV infections and 1.1 million [890 000–1.3 million] AIDS-related deaths, and access to life-saving treatment was only available to a privileged few.

The response that ensued changed the course of history. Under his leadership, in 2000 the United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 1308, identifying AIDS as a threat to global security. In 2001, Mr Annan held the first United Nations General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS and called for a global fund and “war chest” to respond to HIV and other infectious diseases. His call led to the creation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which today is supporting 8.6 million of the 17 million people who are accessing antiretroviral treatment.  

Mr Annan’s efforts to improve the lives of people living with and affected by HIV have been instrumental in driving down the numbers of new HIV infections, which have declined by 40%, and in increasing the number of people on treatment from just a few thousand to more than 17 million in 2015. However, less than half of all people in need of treatment have access and new HIV infections are increasing in some parts of the world.   

“Today we see tremendous progress, but the fight is not over,” said Mr Annan. “We must continue the struggle and wake up each morning ready to fight and fight again, until we win.”

2016 UNAIDS LEADERSHIP AWARD

The UNAIDS Award for Leadership recognizes a person or an organization that has made a major and lasting contribution to restoring dignity and improving people’s lives. UNAIDS recognizes the key role leadership plays in creating an environment for positive social change and accelerating progress in the AIDS response and beyond.

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Held for the first time during Art Basel week, the evening at Design Miami/Basel featured reading by Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant and live music by Duran Duran

BASEL/GENEVA, 15 June 2016—Supporters of UNAIDS attended its annual fundraising gala on 13 June. Held at Design Miami/Basel on the eve of the Art Basel art festival, the gala raised more than US$ 1 million to support the work of UNAIDS to increase access to HIV prevention and treatment services worldwide, particularly for women and children.

The evening was held in honour of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who was presented with the UNAIDS Award for Leadership in recognition of his outstanding and remarkable contributions made to the global response to HIV.

“On behalf of UNAIDS, I would like to thank the former United Nations Secretary-General for all he has done and continues to do to restore the dignity and improve the lives of people everywhere,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “We shall endeavour to continue to make history and achieve an AIDS-free generation by ensuring that no one is left behind or excluded from life-saving HIV services.”

The gala was hosted by Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Caroline Rupert and two of Nelson Mandela’s grandsons, Kweku and Ndaba, who welcomed more than 600 international guests from the worlds of art, design, architecture, fashion, film and music.

Red carpet arrivals of celebrities, fashion icons and renowned art and cultural influencers included Alexandra Grant, Peter Brant, Duran Duran, Vera Brezhneva, Keanu Reeves, Dustin Yellin, Thabo Sefolosha, Goga Ashkenazi and many more. The gala was sponsored by Cartier and the Hotel InterContinental Geneva, with the support of Design Miami, and was produced by Josh Wood Productions.

The evening began with an exclusive vernissage of Design Miami Basel, showcasing work from some of the world’s most important collectible designers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

After the reception and preview, Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York and Caroline Rupert welcomed guests and introduced the theme of the evening. The dinner included a reading of “Shadows” by Keanu Reeves and Alexandra Grant. Auctioneer Simon de Pury opened a live auction, with lots from designers that included Alaia, Cartier, Daniel Libeskind and Humberto and Fernando Campana.

The gala concluded with a special live musical performance by Duran Duran, who entertained guests with their signature sounds and famous hits. DJ Bas Ibellini took to the stage for the after-party to close the evening. 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

NEW YORK/GENEVA, 7 June 2016—UNAIDS has appointed amfAR Chair and leading fashion designer Kenneth Cole as a UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador. The announcement was made at a special event held on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS, taking place in New York, United States of America, from 8 to 10 June.

“We are entering a crucial phase of the response to HIV and I know that Kenneth can make a significant and powerful contribution towards our shared vision of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030,” said Michel Sidibé, the Executive Director of UNAIDS. “His commitment, compassion and resolve will magnify our efforts to include everyone and to ensure that no one is left behind.”

In his new role as an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNAIDS, Mr Cole will work to rally the global community by continuing his longstanding role as an advocate for an inclusive response to the AIDS epidemic. He will help with the communication of clear benchmarks and goals in the AIDS response, including amfAR’s mission of finding a cure for HIV by 2020, in order to realize UNAIDS’ vision of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.  

“I am confident that if people are put at the centre of the AIDS response we can realize one of this century’s greatest humanitarian achievements—the end of the AIDS epidemic,” said Mr Cole, “I am honoured by this appointment as a UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador. It is my hope to help intensify efforts to end the epidemic for everyone, everywhere.”

Mr Cole has been a leading voice in the global response to AIDS for more than 30 years and continues to be a passionate champion for people living with HIV. As well as managing his business interests, Mr Cole has been chairman of amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, since 2005. He was instrumental in the launch of amfAR’s Countdown to a Cure campaign, which supports amfAR’s recently opened Institute for HIV Research, based at the University of California, San Francisco. The mission of the institute is to accelerate progress towards developing a cure for HIV. 

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.