The 2013 report on the global AIDS epidemic contains the latest data on numbers of new HIV infections, numbers of people receiving antiretroviral treatment, AIDS-related deaths and HIV among children.

The report documents considerable progress in many countries in addressing their national epidemics. A six fold increase in financing for HIV programmes in low- and middle-income countries 2001–2007 is beginning to bear fruit, as gains in lowering the number of AIDS deaths and preventing new infections are apparent in many countries. Progress remainsuneven, however, and the epidemic’s future is still uncertain, underscoring the need for intensified action to move towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

A new report by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), released on 21 November, shows that 2011 was a game changing year for the AIDS response with unprecedented progress in science, political leadership and results. The report also shows that new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels since the peak of the epidemic.

On behalf of the UN family, I am deeply honoured to launch the 2005 update on the global AIDS epidemic, a joint report of UNAIDS and WHO, from this great institution of democracy, India’s Parliament.

Distinguished guests, colleagues and friends, good morning. I thank the local organizing committee of the 8th ICAAP for this opportunity to stand before you once again and to look at how we are progressing after the Kobe ICAAP.Meeting two years after the Kobe Conference presents a good opportunity to take stock of the situation and to look ahead at the enormous challenges we are facing in the region in combating the AIDS epidemic.

I am grateful for this opportunity to help launch this comprehensive report. As Secretary-General and as an Asian, I am particularly moved to have this chance to contribute to a full and honest discussion about the epidemic in Asia -- a discussion which has not always been forthright or open enough in the past.

In 2007, advances in the methodology of estimations of HIV epidemics applied to an expanded range of country data have resulted in substantial changes in estimates of numbers of persons living with HIV worldwide.

AIDS OUTLOOK/09 is a new report from UNAIDS that provides perspectives on some of the most pressing issues that will confront policymakers and leaders as they respond to the challenges presented by AIDS in 2009.