On 3 June 2011, the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) will issue three self-adhesive stamps in a ribbon die-cut shape in mini-sheets of four stamps in the denominations US$ 0.44, CHF 1.30 and € 0.70 as well as a Souvenir Card to recognize 30 years of a world living with AIDS. This is the first time ever that UNPA has issued self-adhesive stamps.

The United Nations Postal Administration is part of a global initiative of participating postal administrations around the world who are issuing stamps on the topic of HIV/AIDS in 2011 in order to raise awareness of HIV prevention and to reduce the number of new infections. This initiative was organized by the Universal Postal Union (UPU), the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UNI Global Union.

The UN General Assembly has called for a High-level Meeting from 8 to 10 June 2011 to undertake a comprehensive review of the progress achieved in realizing the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS. The meeting will also promote the continued engagement of leaders in a comprehensive global response to AIDS.

Thirty years into the AIDS epidemic, and ten years since the landmark UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS, the world will come together to review progress and chart the future course of the global AIDS response.

UNAIDS data show that steady progress is being made towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. New HIV infections have reduced by nearly 20 per cent in the past 10 years. However, stigma and discrimination continue to be obstacles and services do not reach everyone in need. There are still 10 million people waiting for HIV treatment and for every person starting treatment, two others become infected.

The 2011 High-level Meeting comes at a turning point in the global AIDS response. It will provide a critical opportunity not only to review progress made in addressing the epidemic, but also to identify remaining gaps and challenges and chart the way forward to sustain the response. It will also provide an opportunity to position AIDS firmly in the broader global health and development context, including the Millennium Development Goals.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, BAN Ki-moon, has highlighted the need for global solidarity and partnership at this time. “The 2011 High-Level Meeting on AIDS comes at a pivotal moment in the history of the epidemic. Thirty years into the AIDS response, let us unite for universal access. Let us, once and for all, set the course for zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths”, wrote Secretary-General BAN.

Member States are expected to adopt a new Declaration at the 2011 UN General Assembly High-level Meeting on AIDS that will reaffirm current commitments and develop new actions to guide and sustain the global AIDS response.

published April 25th, 2011