Events

In Cannes, on February 16, 2007, 18 African countries officially joined the international drug purchase facility UNITAID which was launched in New York in September 2006 by five founding countries (Brazil, Chile, France, Norway, the UK) by signing a political declaration and legal document. These states pledge to implement innovative financing for development, primarily in the form of solidarity contributions on airlines tickets, of which all or part of the proceeds is allocated to UNITAID.

The African countries joining UNITAID are thereby continuing their involvement in the fight against the three deadliest pandemics-AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria-which ravage the continent. In taking this decision, they not only become beneficiaries of lower drug prices and receive supplies of quality treatments, UNITAID’s mission, but also donors and full players reflecting the partnership aspect of the initiative.

  UNITAID membership ceremony - Speech by M. Jacques Chirac, President of the Republic (Cannes, 16 February 2007)

"I express my deepest gratitude to all the countries that, each with its own means, have committed to becoming a UNITAID participant, donor and beneficiary.

For it is by joining forces that we will win this fight against the scourges devastating entire populations.

It is my wish that your decision should inspire the international community.

It is an act of solidarity and confidence.

It is a political act for a fairer world.

It is an act for humanity."