29 November 2013 – The HIV infection rate in South Sudan seemed low, but results were affected by stigma surrounding the disease, the UN family head in the country said in Juba today.

“We don’t actually know (what the real figures are),” said Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Hilde F. Johnson. “As such, we should not rest on our laurels.”

Speaking at an event to commemorate World AIDS day, Ms. Johnson said the UN and non-governmental organizations had made significant efforts to tackle the disease, including training hundreds of change agents and counselors, who in turn had reached out to thousands of South Sudanese.

“We will continue to support the country’s strategic plan and mobilize communities to break the taboos which still exist,” she said.

UNAIDS Country Coordinator said available information showed there were 150,000 people living with HIV and AIDS in South Sudan and 16,000 new infections every year.

“South Sudan must join the global vision for an AIDS-free generation and focus on prevention,” she said. “The largest part of the population is the youth and if we remain silent, it will be disastrous.”

UN Cares team leader and UN Population Fund country representative Barnabas Yisa called on all participants to remember the “three zeroes” to be achieved worldwide -- zero discrimination, zero new infections and zero AIDS-related deaths.

Hundreds of staff and local residents attended the event organized by UN Cares, a coalition of UNMISS and UN agencies working jointly to respond to HIV and AIDs among UN personnel and South Sudanese citizens.

Trophies were awarded to winners of various sporting competitions, which had taken place in the two weeks leading up to the event, including volley ball, basketball, soccer and a marathon race.

“Getting to zero is indeed a race,” said SRSG Johnson. “It is a race against time, but it is a race that can be won, not by one person but by all of us. Let’s make it happen.”

A member of South Sudan Positive Women’s Network appealed to the UN family to continue to support women living with HIV and AIDS.

“Women in South Sudan generally have no voice, but it is worse for those living with HIV,” said Evelyn Letio. “We are discriminated against in all aspects of life and yet we play an important role in achieving the three zeros.”