VATICAN CITY, MAY 23, 2007 (VIS) - Yesterday, Archbishop Celestino Migliore, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York, delivered an address to the 61st session of the UN General Assembly which is meeting to consider the theme: "Implementation of the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS."

Speaking English, Archbishop Migliore referred to the "detailed and comprehensive report of the secretary general" which "lists the greatest challenges: caring for the 39.5 million people presently living with HIV; reducing the number of people dying annually from AIDS, which in 2006 was 2.9 million; preventing new infections, which currently run at some 4 million per year; and taking special care of young people, who accounted for 40 percent of new infections last year."

"The Holy See," he went on, "seizes this occasion to re-affirm its commitment to intensify its response to this disease, through its ongoing support for a world-wide network of some 1,600 hospitals, 6,000 clinics, and 12,000 initiatives of a charitable and social nature in developing countries."

The Holy See, said the permanent observer, "believes that providing information and opportunities for an education respectful of naturally based values is essential both in the development of scientific advancement and for personal prevention."

Archbishop Migliore concluded by encouraging all States "to be more forthcoming in providing accurate numbers with respect to monitoring and evaluation, however difficult this may be. A factual understanding as to where the world community stands on this matter will serve us well as we attempt to address all the problems associated with HIV/AIDS and to care for all."

DELSS/AIDS/UN:MIGLIOREVIS 070523 (270)