"The AIDS response has also changed dramatically since 1308. Today, we have the capacity to provide wide-scale treatment and to target prevention to populations at higher risk of HIV infection. We see that post-conflict and transition periods bring an increased risk of HIV and for sexual violence to countries, and we understand how to address both of these challenges. We have made progress; now we need to scale up.

"Since 1308, we have come to understand that peacekeepers and the millions of people in uniform can play a leading role in HIV prevention as they secure peace around the world. Their extensive contacts with populations in conflict, post-conflict and other settings position them as agents of positive change—particularly with respect to preventing violence against women and girls in conflict. "

"These conditions increase exposure to ill-health and consequently could increase the risk of acquisition and transmission of HIV. These conditions disrupt access to basic amenities and haemorrhage fragile public and health systems. Women and children bear the brunt of these vulnerabilities generally, but more so in the context of conflict and displacement."

"Peace building efforts need to incorporate strategies that address the context-specific needs of affected communities. These could range from new and prolonged conflict, post-conflict, refugee camps with people in transit or stable environments, the needs of armed personnel, humanitarian workers and most importantly women and children."

"In the short term, qualitative UN peacekeeping interventions should focus on achieving immediate gains that would mitigate the harmful effects of the epidemic. Decisive action to reduce and prevent conflict-related sexual violence might present a critical intervention in an integrated UN strategy. In the medium to long term, such interventions could take on a much more focused approach.

"We have to talk about sensitive issues when it comes to HIV and AIDS. And we must be frank about where we are falling short. The Council has made major strides in addressing sexual violence in conflict. But rape is still a weapon of choice. This is an atrocious human rights violation. It is a war crime.

"We have come a long way since health issues were first discussed in this Council. I continue to bring AIDS to the Council's attention on scores of occasions through my reports on sexual and gender-based violence and when we highlight the important contributions of women to peace and security. Whenever AIDS is part of the equation, the United Nations is working to be part of the solution.

"They are also providing technical support on HIV in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes. By making HIV prevention part of our DDR activities, we can protect civilians from HIV. We can reduce discrimination. And we can help former soldiers living with HIV get the care and treatment they deserve."

"For our personnel, pre-deployment HIV training is standard.We have trained over 1,500 peacekeepers as peer counsellors. The number of blue helmets seeking voluntary counselling and testing increased from fewer than 2,000 to more than 14,000 in just five years. But we are not just helping our peacekeepers – they work so people recovering from war do not also have to recover from disease.

"Before resolution 1308 was adopted, uniformed personnel were viewed in terms of the risk they might pose to civilians. Now we understand that UN troops and police are part of prevention, treatment and care. For example, we are working in Côte d'Ivoire, which has the highest prevalence of HIV in West Africa.