The Nobel Peace Prize winner and leader of Myanmar's National League for Democracy delivered the keynote speech in front of community leaders, politicians and dignitaries.
"HIV is a problem that we must all face together and is not a problem that can be resolved by discrimination. It's not acceptable in a civilized society," Suu Kyi said.
"When we think of discrimination very often we don't think of what it involves for the person discriminated against. How it feels to be regarded and treated as somebody below the normal standards acceptable for society. That you are not treated as an equal in the world in which you live.
"Who we have to discriminate against is those who engage in discrimination."
Suu Kyi said that "openness" and "compassion" are vital tools in the fight against HIV.
"My simple message as the Global Advocate for Zero Discrimination is that it all starts in the mind and the heart. We must have more love more warmth more love and more compassion as you never know one day when you will need it yourself."
The Minister for Health, David Davis also spoke at the event saying:
"Stigma causes people to delay getting tested and commencing treatments to improve their health.
"Our prevention efforts need to include work towards challenging the silence that surrounds HIV."
The event effectively kicks off the count down to the International AIDS Conference which takes place in Melbourne in July 2014.
(pic) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivers the keynote speech on World AIDS Day
Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/12/02/the-countdown-to-international-aids-conference-begins/
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