Geneva, 6 May 2011—President Mahamadou Issoufou, Niger’s newly-elected Head of State, will lead a delegation at the June 2011 High Level Meeting on AIDS, including the First Lady, the Coordinator of the National AIDS Commission and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Public Health, Finance, Population, the Promotion of Women and Child Protection. The delegation will also include representatives from associations of people living with HIV, as well as from a youth network, a faith-based coalition, the private sector and an
HIV-focused non-governmental organization.
“I thank President Issoufou and everyone joining the Nigerien delegation for their planned engagement in the High Level Meeting on AIDS,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé. “The participation of this large and diverse delegation sends an important message that Niger is committed to keeping AIDS at the top of its political agenda,” he added. The High Level Meeting will be held at the United Nations in New York City from 8-10 June 2011.
An estimated 0.8% of the adult population in Niger is living with HIV. However, HIV prevalence in the country is considerably higher among key populations, particularly sex workers. In recent years, the Government of Niger and its partners have put in place strategies to accelerate HIV prevention among sex workers and other populations at higher risk of HIV exposure.
