TransAtlantic Partners Against AIDS (TPAA)
New York, New York, September 22nd, 2003

Key topics of discussion included: (1) the importance of political leadership in the fight against AIDS in Ukraine; (2) key strategic challenges and opportunities for Ukraine's national HIV/AIDS campaign, including implementation of Global Fund disbursements; and (3) opportunities for joint collaboration with Russia and the United States.

The group also discussed the situation of HIV/AIDS in the broader CIS, and highlighted ways that President Kuchma, as Chairman of the Council of CIS Heads of State, can promote a regional response to the epidemic.

President Kuchma emphasized that robust public-private partnerships, active involvement by civil society, and collaboration with the international community are essential to Ukraine's fight against AIDS.

TPAA's leadership commended President Kuchma for his efforts to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS in Ukraine and its region, including his decision to name 2002 the "Year to Fight AIDS" and Ukraine's membership on the Board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

They also complimented the Ukrainian President's address to the UN General Assembly, during which President Kuchma declared that the protection of social and economic rights for HIV-infected persons and prevention of discrimination against them should be a top priority for all leaders.

TPAA's leadership also informed President Kuchma about the creation of their Kyiv office (scheduled to open in late-2003) and agreed to meet again in Kyiv to continue dialogue on the issue. (See also: Official Website of the President of Ukraine:  http://www.president.gov.ua/eng/activity/vstrech/192915750.html)