Scholz: Every minute, a person dies from AIDS
Worldwide, progress is being made in the fight against Aids. However, too many people are still dying from the disease. In Munich, Chancellor Scholz opens the World Aids Conference. He calls for more research, prevention, and information, but also less stigmatization and discrimination.
Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed the common goal at the opening of the World Aids Conference in Munich to end the Aids epidemic by 2030. "Although we are making progress, there is still a long way to go," Scholz said at the conference's opening in Munich. "One person dies every minute from Aids, one person every minute. That's something we need to change," the Chancellor added.
More research, more prevention, more information, and thorough testing are necessary. The fight against stigmatization and discrimination of certain people must also be continued. Therefore, Germany will join the global UNAIDS Partnership to Eliminate all Forms of HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination.
Germany, according to the Chancellor's words, will continue to significantly contribute to the financing of programs. As one of the largest donors, Germany contributes 1.3 billion Euros to the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the current cycle. This funding period is from 2023 to 2025. Germany will continue its support; the programs funded by the Global Fund have saved 59 million lives.
Furthermore, Germany supports UNAIDS and the World Health Organization and will remain a reliable partner in this regard. The Chancellor expressed optimism that, based on recent progress, such as in mRNA technology, an HIV vaccine may be available in not too distant future. Germany has a thriving research environment in this area.
Olaf Scholz, while addressing the World Aids Conference in Munich, highlighted the importance of Munich as a host city for this global event. He reiterated Germany's commitment to the cause, stating, "Germany will continue to be a strong advocate in the global fight against Aids, especially in combating the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease."
