US Reasserts Commitment to Ukraine on International AIDS Remembrance Day

Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy James D. Pettit speaks at the event. Kyiv - May 22, 2008. Ukraine marked International AIDS Remembrance Day on May 18 with commemorations around the country.  In Kyiv, the capital, government officials, representatives of international donor organizations and civil activists gathered at the Red Ribbon Memorial located before the Lavra HIV/AIDS Clinic to commemorate the victims and raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ukraine.  The ceremony was coordinated by the All-Ukrainian Network of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS. Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S.  Embassy James D.  Pettit opened the event with a reaffirmation of the U.S.  pledge to help Ukraine overcome the epidemic. “We stand together to reinforce our joint commitment to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS; to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS; and to work together to achieve universal access to prevention, care and treatment and support services here in Ukraine,” said Mr.  Pettit. Afterwards, clergy from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held a short prayer service, which was followed by the laying of flowers and the release of dozens of balloons in memory of the AIDS victims.

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