Dr. Peter Piot on Past and Present Challenges for Global Health and AIDS

On October 28th, the CSIS Global Health Policy Center hosted Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS.  Dr. Piot reflected on his twelve years of leadership at UNAIDS, discussed the global financial crisis and what it will mean for future health ventures, and talked about lessons and challenges for the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS.  Dr. Piot’s discussion included accounts of efforts to get AIDS onto the international political agenda and the need for a political effort to further his work.  He also highlighted recent statistics showing fewer new infections per year than there were ten years ago, evidence of success in AIDS prevention, and his rights-based approach to HIV treatment.  Dr. Piot highlighted the challenge of increasing budget support in lieu of the recent financial crisis, the importance of a long term strategic approach to combating HIV/AIDS through sustained, long-range planning, and the need to further develop networks with the development communities.  After his speech he answered several questions about the future of AIDS vaccine research, the importance of coordination of foreign assistance, and how future leadership should work on gender based issues.  At the end of the presentation, Dr. Piot received a standing ovation for his eloquent remarks and to honor his UNAIDS career.

This event will be webcast by the Kaiser Foundation.