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UNFPA calls for urgent AIDS action

    JOHANNESBURG

    There is no space for half measures in HIV/AIDS, the executive director of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, has said.

    Speaking at the recent launch of UNFPA's "State of World Population 2003 Report" in London, Obaid said the pandemic was wiping out growing numbers of the new generation, and the world could no longer afford to take half measures.

    "This is not just a public health issue. This is a global catastrophe that demands urgent global action," Obaid said in a statement.

    UNFPA stated there was clear evidence from Africa, Asia and Latin America that well-designed HIV/AIDS information and education programmes led to safer, healthier sexual behaviour.

    Obaid encouraged the implementation of strengthened sex education programmes, and emphasised that studies have shown the programmes did not lead to promiscuous behaviour as was previously thought.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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