In a joint official visit to Malawi, the Executive Directors of UNAIDS and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria commended President Bingu wa Mutharika on Malawi’s progress in the AIDS response and his leadership as Chairperson of the African Union on AIDS, health, food security and development.

UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé concluded an official visit to Lebanon on 29 September. Mr Sidibé recognized and supported the country’s achievements in the HIV response and welcomed the Government of Lebanon’s strong commitment to introduce oral substitution therapy into the country’s public health system.

UNAIDS Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé held a series of meetings with Government officials and civil society groups in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia during his official visit to Brazil.

UNAIDS Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé visited the Rio de Janeiro based Viva Cazuza Society on 26 March, a non-profit organization that provides a home for 20 children and adolescents, aged 2 to 16, who are living with HIV.

At the invitation of the Thai Government, UNAIDS Executive Director Mr Michel Sidibé was in Thailand this week to discuss progress in the response to AIDS and visit projects to get a better understanding of how HIV prevention and treatment efforts are making a difference to peoples lives.

UNAIDS Executive Director Dr Peter Piot paid a visit to Mali 7 – 11 December 2008 where he met with leaders including the President of Mali Amadou Touré, civil society and the newly appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador and African music star Toumani Diabaté.

UNAIDS Executive Director Dr Peter Piot visited India this week where he held a series of meetings and engagements with Government and civil society.

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) announced today the expansion of its Treatment 2015 initiative with a US$ 2 million grant provided by the heart and soul of M∙A∙C Cosmetics, the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund. The Fund is fully supported from the sale of VIVA GLAM Lipstick and Lipglass with global superstar Rihanna lending her celebrity to spur purchase and awareness. Leveraging this new funding, UNAIDS will build on Treatment 2015 by advancing global, regional and country level policies and programs to expand HIV testing and treatment to young people worldwide.