Dear Heads of Agencies and colleagues,

The Independent Commission on AIDS in Asia has over the last 18 months prepared a comprehensive study of the realities and the impact of AIDS in Asia. The results have been included in the Commission's final report entitled "Redefining AIDS in Asia ?Crafting an effective response", which was launched by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon at an event in New York on 26 March 2008.

One of the main findings of the report was that AIDS remains the most likely cause of death and work days lost among 15-44 years-olds in Asia.

At the launch, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon appealed to Governments and civil societies of Asian countries to adopt the Report and implement its recommendations seriously.

The Independent Commission on AIDS comprised of nine of Asia's leading development economists, policy makers, public health experts and civil society representatives working on AIDS including Dr. Wu Zunyou, Director of China's NCAIDS (Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for AIDS and STDs). 

The Commission convened a number of meetings and workshops across the region, with one of them being held in Beijing, 19-20 July 2007.

You will find further details of the report including links to the report itself, the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's remarks on the handover of the report, and fact sheets on our webpage:www.unaids.org.cn

I trust that you will find the findings of the report of great interest and look forward to work with you to further the implementation of the pertinent recommendations in China.

Warmest,

Dr Bernhard Schwartlander, UNAIDS Country Coordinator

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon (second to the right) with Dr. Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director (far right), Professor C. Rangarajan, Chair of the Commission on AIDS in Asia (in the middle), Dr. Wu Zunyou, Director of China NCAIDS (second to the right at the back), and other members of the Commission

Also, you can see the details through the following links:

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon remarks on the handover of the report, New York, 26 March 2008.pdf

Report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia: REDEFINING AIDS IN ASIA - Crafting an Effective Response.pdf

Report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia - Fact Sheet.pdf