December 1, 2008

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) will soon hire a new executive director, Mr. Michel Sidibé. To mark the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, we ask you to write to UNAIDS and let them know what the next director should do to protect women and girls.

Write to UNAIDS using the text as is, or write your own and send to: communications@unaids.org.

Dear Mr. Sidibé,

As HIV infection rates among young people and women rise, we look to UNAIDS leadership to recognize gender inequality as a driver of the epidemic. That means making sexual and reproductive rights and health central to a comprehensive response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

To be effective, you should prioritize: the hiring of staff, consultants and advisors with expertise in women's and young people's health and rights; clear objectives for achieving gender equality; open, transparent interactions with a broad range of civil society constituencies, including women living with HIV/AIDS and women's organizations; and the implementation of a comprehensive approach to prevention, treatment, and care for women and girls.

I care about women and girls because__________________________________. With lives at risk throughout the world, I hope you will empower them in the face of the pandemic.

Sincerely,

NAME

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