27 June 2001 Media Statement
Honesty essential to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS, says Annette King at UN special session in New York
EMBARGO 2.45AM WEDNESDAY 27 JUNE
Health Minister Annette King has told the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS that countries must listen to
the voices of women to prevent the spread of the disease.
Mrs King called (Wednesday, 2.45am NZ time) for political honesty about which community groups were most at risk. "The
virus does not care about religion. It does not care about the colour of a person's skin. It does not care about
ideology or political sensibilities. It does not care in the least about politicians.
"But politicians must care about HIV and AIDS. Our fundamental responsibility is to provide leadership. That means we
must always keep up with the changing face of this virus."
Mrs King said governments must trust and empower vulnerable groups in the community to be part of the solution. "Hiding
behind traditional taboos about prostitution, sex before marriage, the use of condoms, homosexuality and injecting drug
users will doom millions of people."
Heterosexual transmission was now the major world challenge "It is therefore essential that women's voices are listened
to. Women often bear the brunt of the epidemic. In many cases they become infected due to a lack of access to or
acceptance of contraception, or lack of power to say yes or no. The protection and promotion of women's human rights is
crucial to combating the epidemic."
Adolescents were also vulnerable, she said. "They must be equipped with honest information about how they can lower the
risk of the virus."
Mrs King said the security and affordability of drug supply was also a major issue. "New Zealand supports the right of
developing countries to utilise all available avenues, within international law, to obtain affordable essential drugs
for treatment of HIV and other diseases. The United Nations must keep a focus on small nations, particularly those in
the Pacific. Growing risk of an uncontrolled epidemic among Pacific peoples needs our attention at the highest level."
ENDS