Message of the Director, Pan American Health Organization on World AIDS Day 2000

Every December 1st we commemorate World AIDS Day, remembering those who have suffered or still suffer directly or indirectly from the ravages of this disease.

This year's slogan, “Men make a difference," is an appeal to men to exert their influence to help control the AIDS epidemic by avoiding behaviors that put them at risk of HIV infection and transmittting the infection to their sex partners.

The world AIDS epidemic has reached alarming proportions. We estimate that HIV or AIDS has infected more than 34 million people worldwide, and already some 19 million have died as a result of this disease. In the Region of the Americas, one in every 200 persons between 15 and 49 years of age is HIV-infected. In the Caribbean, one in every 50 people has the infection, and it is clear that the incidence of HIV among men continues to increase worldwide.

We at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas, as health professionals, as front-line health workers, as parents, children, brothers and friends, recognize how much we can contribute to the struggle against AIDS. We are committed to encouraging men to adopt healthy behaviors and to participate fully in the health care of their partners and their entire families. At the same time, we recognize the need to pay due attention to the prevention of health problems among women as well and not forget that awareness and sensitization about HIV and AIDS must be oriented to both men and women.

Let us recall on this World AIDS Day that we are committed to escalating the battle against this disease. Each and every one of us can and should work to make a difference.

Dr. George A.O. Alleyne
Director, Pan American Health Organization