Statements and Webcast
Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Oleksandr Fedko, Head of the State Department for countering HIV/AIDS and other socially dangerous diseases
9 June 2011
- Statement: English (Check against delivery)
Statement Summary
OLEKSANDR FEDKO, Head of the State Department for Countering HIV/AIDS and Other Socially Dangerous Diseases of Ukraine, said the President had created the Department in 2010, which was evidence of the country’s commitment to fighting the epidemic. It had adopted a national HIV/AIDS strategy and the Government had made it a priority to bolster measures to prevent the epidemic’s spread while providing treatment to those living with HIV. In January 2011, a law to overcome the spread of HIV and provide legal and social protection to those living with HIV had entered into force, he said, adding that civil society had also contributed significantly to the fight against AIDS.
Five years ago, Ukraine had had the highest rate of HIV transmission in Eastern Europe, he recalled, noting that today, it was in fifth place. The country had made significant progress in preventing mother-to-child transmissions, which was a priority of the national response to AIDS. However, new infections were still on the rise, and a further consolidation of efforts to fight the disease was needed. Ukraine supported the “getting to zero” strategy and the “countdown to zero” global plan aimed at preventing new cases of HIV infection among children and saving mothers’ lives, as well as the outcome document to be adopted on Friday.
Source: GA/11090