Mr. Chairman, 
We are at a decisive stage for the renewal of our commitments on HIV / AIDS to overcome the great 
challenges of achieving the goals that we set in 2001 and most recently in 2006. We align ourselves with the 
views expressed by the Representative of Mexico on behalf of the Rio Group and agree that, a year away 
from reaching the deadline for achieving our goals, there is still much to be done. 
The financial crisis has jeopardized the sustainability of achievements in many countries. The link between 
underdevelopment and a high incidence of HIV / AIDS is a major obstacle to developing nations. There is a 
need for solidarity and joint action to achieve universal access to the prevention, treatment, care and 
support for people affected by HIV / AIDS, where international cooperation remains an essential element. 
Solidarity in this fight should not be ruled out in countries that have achieved some positive indicators, yet 
still need access to international cooperation to make their achievements sustainable. This is the case with 
the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which should give further attention to the needs of 
middle income countries. In the case of Costa Rica, important efforts in areas such as access to 
antiretroviral therapy, prevention of mother-child transmission, testing and counseling have been made, yet 
it is necessary to undertake additional responsibilities for those achievements to remain sustainable.
 
As the Secretary General noted in his report, HIV / AIDS poses a long-term global challenge requiring a 
continued commitment to ensure the sustainability of an effective long range strategy.
 
The criteria of the Global Fund to implement resource allocation for cooperation is based on indicators that, 
in the case of middle-income countries, reveal a prevalence greater than 1% of their total population of 5 % 
in vulnerable groups. But the Global Fund was created to foster a radical change in the fight against AIDS, 
Tuberculosis and Malaria, and given the socio-epidemiological characteristics of HIV / AIDS, no country 
should be left out of an inclusive and comprehensive response.
 
Mr. Chairman,
 
It is very clear that HIV / AIDS is not only a public health problem. The imperative of protecting human rights 
in this task is very clear, not only to provide access to medical care, but also to allow for adequate levels of 
welfare, socio-economic development and quality of life for people who coexist with the virus. 
Discrimination, inequality and violence against women are factors that have significant impact on the 
increasing feminization of HIV / AIDS. Inadequate protection of vulnerable persons such as sex workers, 
drug users, men who have sex with men, etc.., is another of the challenges we face. There are also worrying levels of infection among adolescents and young adults, therefore prevention strategies need to 
be more focused on this population.
Costa Rica considers of the utmost importance that working towards the strengthening of laws and 
multispectral strategies for social protection is a must to ensure the care and welfare of those affected by 
the virus. Ensuring a fair quality of life for those affected by HIV / AIDS is also an important aspect of how to 
answer to the challenge of the pandemic.
 
Finally, as I said at the beginning, the fight against the HIV / AIDS is a common task and it becomes a 
shared responsibility at all levels. The active involvement and collaboration of all sectors, including 
governments, social organizations, religious institutions, and the private sector are key components within 
the national strategies required to provide answers that are timely, effective and long-lasting. 
Thank you very much.