Melissa Parke (Fremantle, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today is World AIDS Day. This year's global World AIDS Day theme is 'Getting to Zero: zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths'. Today we recognise the tireless efforts of individuals and organisations working to combat the spread of HIV, as well as showing support for those living with the virus.

Globally, AIDS has taken an estimated 36 million lives, and nearly the same number live with HIV. In Australia alone there were 1,236 new cases of HIV diagnosed in 2013, reflecting an increase in infections nationally in recent years. It is vital that HIV remain on the global health agenda. Efforts must be made to continue and develop awareness programs to ensure Australians are informed about the transmission of HIV and how to protect themselves and others from the spread of the virus, while continuing to work towards breaking down stigma and discrimination.

I take this opportunity to mention the excellent work of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which is an effective global partnership between government, civil society, the private sector and people affected by those diseases. I also take this opportunity to remember Joep Lange, Jaqueline van Tongeren, Glenn Thomas, Martin de Schutter, Lucie van Mens and Pim de Kuijer, some of the world's leading HIV researchers, who were tragically killed on flight MH17 while on their way to participate in the AIDS 2014 conference in Melbourne. We remember their expertise, determination and care for their fellow human beings. We must continue their efforts until we get to zero.