Follow-up

Follow-up remains the most important section of the Declaration of Commitment.  The Declaration of Commitment, after all, is only effective if its promises are kept and implemented.

Throughout the Special Session, governments clearly recognized what must be done to effectively combat HIV/AIDS.  They included in the Declaration the best practices learned and the challenges faced over two decades of fighting the global epidemic.  Finally, they adopted specific targets to meet by 2003, 2005, and 2010. 

In the conclusion of the Declaration of Commitment, UNGASS Member States expressed their appreciation to those who have led the effort to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to deal with its complex challenges.  In recognizing the important roles played by all members of society, they also called on all countries to take the necessary steps to implement the Declaration, in strengthened partnership and cooperation with other multilateral and bilateral partners and with civil society.

Meeting each of the Declaration’s targets will require follow-up efforts.  In addition to those specific activities, governments committed themselves to:

• Conduct periodic reviews of progress made in achieving the goals in the Declaration of Commitment and disseminate the results widely(1)   – including adequate epidemiological data(2) and involving civil society, people living with HIV/AIDS, vulnerable groups and caregivers.
• Include HIV/AIDS on the agenda of regional meetings at the ministerial and Head-of-State level(3). 
• Support data collection to facilitate periodic reviews by regional groups of progress in implementing regional strategies, and disseminate the results widely(4). 
• Among countries, encourage the exchange of information and experiences in implementing the Declaration and, in particular, South–South and triangular cooperation(5). 
• Devote sufficient time and at least one full day of the annual General Assembly session to review a report by the Secretary-General on the Declaration’s progress(6),   including ensuring that HIV/AIDS is included on the agenda of all appropriate UN meetings(7). 
• Explore the feasibility of developing, with partners, systems for the voluntary monitoring of global drug prices(8).

Footnote

(1) Paragraph 94, Declaration of Commitment

(2) Paragraph 95.

(3) Paragraph 97.

(4) Paragraph 98.

(5) Paragraph 99.

(6) Paragraph 100.

(7) Paragraph 101.

(8) Paragraph 103.