A joint initiative to support the government in achieving universal access for children and their families to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support is being launched, Thursday, by the UNICEF, Family Health International (FHI), the National Association of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal (NAP+N) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). "The partnership seeks protection, care and support for children affected by AIDS, with the goal of ensuring early entry into care and/or treatment for HIV-exposed children and to increase access to comprehensive services for children throughout the country. The partnership also aims to prevent mother to child HIV transmission," states a press release by the UNICEF. Children account for half of all the new HIV infections worldwide and it is estimated that approximately four thousand children in Nepal are infected with HIV. With an estimated seventy thousand people living with HIV in Nepal, there are tremendous implications for children, whose lives are greatly affected when a parent is infected, the release adds. The partnership will work under the coordination of the National Center for AIDS and STD Control (NCASC). Source: NepalNews

The theme for World AIDS Day 2007 and 2008 is leadership. This theme will continue to be promoted with the campaigning slogan, Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise.

Why the theme of leadership?
Since the beginning of the epidemic, experience has clearly demonstrated that significant advances in the response to HIV have been achieved when there is strong and committed leadership. Leaders are distinguished by their action, innovation and vision; their personal example and engagement of others; and their perseverance in the face of obstacles and challenges. However, leaders are often not those in the highest offices. Leadership must be demonstrated at every level to get ahead of the disease - in families, in communities, in countries and internationally. Much of the best leadership on AIDS has been demonstrated within civil society organisations challenging the status quo. Making leadership the theme of the next two World AIDS Days will help encourage leadership on AIDS within all levels and sectors of society. We hope it will inspire and foster champions within a range of different groups and networks at local and international levels.