Former deputy UN Chief appointed new envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa

New York, 16 Jul – (ANA) – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has selected Asha-Rose Migiro of Tanzania, former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, as his Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa. As Deputy Secretary-General from 2007 to 2012, Ms. Migiro was

involved in promoting the AIDS response globally and within Africa,  with special emphasis on reducing the vulnerability of women and girls and ensuring the rights of people living with HIV. “A decade ago, HIV in Africa was almost entirely an epidemic of despair,” said Ms. Migiro, who replaces Elizabeth Mataka, who served in the position since 2007.

“Today, we celebrate progress against AIDS that we never thought possible. Now

is the time to take our efforts to a new level. I am committed to the

Secretary-General’s vision that the beginning of the end of AIDS in Africa

starts now.” Africa remains the continent most affected by HIV, according to UNAIDS. In 2010, about 68 per cent of all people living with HIV resided in sub-Saharan Africa.

The region also accounted for 70 per cent of all new HIV infections worldwide. (ANA)

FA/ANA/16 July 2012----------