I would like to share with you my experience as President of a country that endeavours to overcome the less than excellent results in the field of infection by HIV/AIDS.

Throughout the last years I have taken three core aspects into account in my intervention.

In the first place, contributing to obtain national consensuses. In this regard it is vital that without losing their competences and autonomy, political agents have a common platform of understanding about this subject. For this it is necessary to listen and to study. It is important to listen to the sick, the experts, young people, researchers, non-governmental organisations, religious organisations and journalists, to reach an understanding of the complexity of the problem as each of them sees it. Next, it is important to study and keep abreast of all research carried out and the strategies approved, the assessments made of their application and to act to find effective solutions, in other words, those that promote the best use of resources.

Consensuses, then, are built on a diversity of points of departure, whilst seeking to ensure that the results of the point of arrival – in particular, effective prevention and treatment – can be measured, particularly in terms of the reduction in the rate of incidence and mortality linked to this disease.

In the second place, contributing to establish serious strategies, that is, strategies based on participated and decentralised methodologies, and on credible information, in particular in the epidemiological field, including quantified targets and commitments and mechanisms of assessment and accountability. The appropriate strategies must confront ignorance, silence and prejudice, and demand that society as a whole be mobilised. We must then persevere, and replace purely rhetorical appeals with conclusive demonstrations, disseminating good practices and paying close attention to the professionals in the field.

In the third place, it is important to be aware that the problem does not end with a national strategy but that it comprises a planetary dimension. And the reason is not only that nations are increasingly open spaces where there is free movement of people from other countries and other continents, but also because other people’s suffering should make us take action.

It was with these ideas in mind that I attended the Special Session of the United National General Assembly that in 2001 approved the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, the High Level Meeting in 2003 that assessed its level of application, and the International Conference in Barcelona in 2002. It was also with these objectives in mind that I promoted several national meetings and seminars with non-governmental organisations, researchers and experts in the sector, having visited various health units linked to treatment of this disease.

In short, I believe that close and informed attention concerning the problems and the people can enable us to act and achieve positive results. It is the least that the citizens of the world are entitled to expect from us. It is the least that politicians have the duty to put into practice.


			Speech by His Excellency the President of the Portuguese Republic at the Conference “Breaking the Barriers – Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia” - Leadership Panel Dublin 23 de Fevereiro de 2004 I would like to share with you my experience as President of a country that endeavours to overcome the less than excellent results in the field of infection by HIV/AIDS. Throughout the last years I have taken three core aspects into account in my intervention. In the first place, contributing to obtain national consensuses. In this regard it is vital that without losing their competences and autonomy, political agents have a common platform of understanding about this subject. For this it is necessary to listen and to study. It is important to listen to the sick, the experts, young people, researchers, non-governmental organisations, religious organisations and journalists, to reach an understanding of the complexity of the problem as each of them sees it. Next, it is important to study and keep abreast of all research carried out and the strategies approved, the assessments made of their application and to act to find effective solutions, in other words, those that promote the best use of resources. Consensuses, then, are built on a diversity of points of departure, whilst seeking to ensure that the results of the point of arrival – in particular, effective prevention and treatment – can be measured, particularly in terms of the reduction in the rate of incidence and mortality linked to this disease. In the second place, contributing to establish serious strategies, that is, strategies based on participated and decentralised methodologies, and on credible information, in particular in the epidemiological field, including quantified targets and commitments and mechanisms of assessment and accountability. The appropriate strategies must confront ignorance, silence and prejudice, and demand that society as a whole be mobilised. We must then persevere, and replace purely rhetorical appeals with conclusive demonstrations, disseminating good practices and paying close attention to the professionals in the field. In the third place, it is important to be aware that the problem does not end with a national strategy but that it comprises a planetary dimension. And the reason is not only that nations are increasingly open spaces where there is free movement of people from other countries and other continents, but also because other people’s suffering should make us take action. It was with these ideas in mind that I attended the Special Session of the United National General Assembly that in 2001 approved the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, the High Level Meeting in 2003 that assessed its level of application, and the International Conference in Barcelona in 2002. It was also with these objectives in mind that I promoted several national meetings and seminars with non-governmental organisations, researchers and experts in the sector, having visited various health units linked to treatment of this disease. In short, I believe that close and informed attention concerning the problems and the people can enable us to act and achieve positive results. It is the least that the citizens of the world are entitled to expect from us. It is the least that politicians have the duty to put into practice.