Vientiane - The United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Ban Ki-moon, has praised the efforts of the UN and its partners to raise knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in Lao PDR. Mr Ban was speaking at a youth centre in the capital, Vientiane where he met representatives of people living with HIV/AIDS and other groups working on the issue.

“I am very much impressed by all that you are doing to help young people of Laos, to teach them awareness and the importance of prevention of HIV/AIDS,” the Secretary General told reporters from a UNICEF-supported youth radio programme.

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UN Secretary general Ban Ki Moon meets members of the Buddhist Metta Dhamma project, who are actively engaged in addressing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. Photo credit: UNICEF LAO PDR/HOLMES/2009

Mr Kinoy , representative of people living with HIV/AIDS shakes hands with UN Secretary general Ban Ki Moon during a visit to the Vientiane Youth Centre (11 April). Photo credit: UNICEF LAO PDR/HOLMES/2009