Prime Minister and Special Envoy Issue World AIDS Day Message
This evening, the government press office issued a special recorded statement from Prime Minster John Briceno and his wife, Special Envoy Rossana Briceno to mark the observation of World HIV/Aids Day. Here is that video.
Prime Minister John Briceno
Prime Minister John Briceno
“My fellow Belizeans, every year on December first, the world commemorates World AIDS Day. Belize joins people around the world, in unity to show support for those infected and affected by HIV, and to remember those who lost their lives to this dreaded decease.”
Rossana Briceno
Rossana Briceno, Special Envoy
“This year’s World Aid’s theme is “End Inequalities. End AIDS. End Pandemics.” This theme highlights the urgency to do our part to end inequalities that drive AIDS and pandemics around the world. If the COVID pandemic has thought us anything, it is that health and other key issues such as inequality, human rights, and economic development are interlinked. This pandemic has also shown us that inequality is at the core of global crisis.”
Prime Minister John Briceno
“In 2015, we made a universal promise, to reduce inequalities within and between countries as part of the sustainable development goals. If we are serious about ending AIDS and pandemics, we must take swift and fort worth action to eliminate the economic, cultural, social, and legal inequalities that obstruct HIV prevention and treatment.”
Rossana Briceno, Special Envoy
“Tackling inequalities will not only advance the human rights of key populations of people living with HIV, but it will also put us in a better position to beat COVID-19 and other pandemics. Sequentially, promoting economic recovery and stability.”
Prime Minister John Briceno
“Realizing our promise to tackle inequalities will save lives and benefit our society. That is why as Prime Minister, I pledge to do everything possible to end discrimination in all forms, especially for persons living with HIV and AIDS.”
Rossana Briceno, Special Envoy
“As Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children, I pledge to pay attention to the needs of the disadvantaged and marginalised, and to ensure that policies are in place to promote inclusion and protect everyone’s rights.”
Prime Minister John Briceno
“We are both committed, but real change requires concerted effort. It is time for us to move from advocacy to action. We can end stigma and discrimination, improve quality of life, and empower communities, but it will require us as Belizeans to come together to ensure that health systems are strengthen, access to medicines, vaccines and test are ensured, human rights respected, and equality is at the center of our endeavours.”
Rossana Briceno, Special Envoy
“On this World AIDS Day, no matter who you are, or where you are from, remember that inequality affects us all and no one is equal until everyone is equal. Change begins with all of us. The time to act is now.”
Prime Minister John Briceno
“We thank you.”
