Speeches, Remarks & Statements in 2008

Ambassador Reeker at UNDP’s  World AIDS Day Event

December 1, 2008

Ambassador Reeker: I am delighted to be here today on World AIDS Day- December 1, which, of course is recognized around the world.  The fight against HIV/AIDS and the struggle to spread knowledge and communicate about prevention of this disease is a high priority for the United States.  It has been a major part of our foreign policy for many years now.  We have supplied funding and have had efforts all around the world.  I am so pleased to be working with the United Nations everywhere around the world, and here in Macedonia, to see these volunteers and young people helping to spread the word, so that people know the facts about HIV/ AIDS and know how to prevent this disease, because it can change lives and it can drastically affect your country.  So we need to know about the practices to prevent HIV, and it has to start with the young people.

Question:  Do you think Macedonia is a safe country?

Ambassador Reeker:  Well, I think Macedonia has been fortunate that it has had a relatively low incidence of HIV infection compared to other countries in the world, but to maintain that it is important to have this kind of an education program and that is what the international community is here for--to work with Macedonian authorities to spread the word so that every generation of young people, as well as older people, understand what HIV is about, understand the dangers of HIV and how to prevent it. 
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