The Event

Nigel Fisher - President & CEO, UNICEF Canada


Dear Friends,

Nigel Fisher

Years ago when the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on children was just becoming apparent, it was almost impossible to imagine an AIDS-free generation. The impact of this epidemic on children prompted UNICEF to launch the Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign in 2005, a global effort to focus attention and resources to turn the tide on HIV and AIDS. As we celebrate the third Unite with Art event, we are happy to report on key advances that are saving lives. The generosity of supporters, through events like Unite with Art, fuels UNICEF's undaunted resolve to protect children from the impact of AIDS. Unite with Art is helping to create an enormous impact:

  • Globally, nearly half of pregnant women (up from 10 per cent in 2004)now have access to antiretroviral treatment to help prevent mother-to- child transmission. Simple, community-based interventions like mother-baby packs, recently introduced in Lesotho, are helping to make a difference. Packed in brown paper envelopes and assembled locally,these ready-to-use packs contain all the medicines necessary to help HIV positive pregnant women prevent transmission of HIV to their children.

  • Thanks to key learnings about promoting HIV prevention among boys and men, central sports events such as the Africa Cup of Nations and 2010 FIFA World Cup are now partners in helping to convey the role of responsible sexual behaviour.

  • Through corporate partnerships, the number of health care workers able to provide quality HIV testing in several southern African countries has expanded significantly; in some countries, GPS technology is being used to map lab sites to strengthen transportation networks for sample testing.

    • Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done to ensure the next generation of children can grow up AIDS-free. Early testing and HIV and AIDS treatment is not yet standard in most countries, and while services may exist, many children and families are difficult to reach. Social norms make changing behaviours - key to prevention, testing and treatment - a particular challenge in many societies. On behalf of UNICEF Canada, please accept my great appreciation for the leadership of Alison Lawton and Julie Lee through the Unite with Art project. The tremendous will and momentum of this project helps drive UNICEF's continued commitment to secure the rights of all children, without exception.

    To learn more about the work UNICEF is doing in the field for children affected by HIV and AIDS visit www.uniteforchildren.org.

    Thank you for your support.

    Nigel Fisher

    Nigel Fisher
    President & CEO
    UNICEF Canada