22 May 2000

Bonn, Germany: UN studies note that a record 2.6 million people died from the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 1999 and another 5.6 million became infected with the virus that causes AIDS. The fight against HIV/AIDS is not only medical. The stigma of AIDS and its effect on societies is also an enemy UN Volunteers are combating. UNVs -- many of them infected with HIV -- have stepped into the open to give a human face and voice to the epidemic.

They play a key role in communities as peer educators and counselors, explaining more about the disease and how it is acquired. For example, the UN Volunteers in Malawi and Zambia, many of whom are women, encourage people to go for voluntary testing. They assist in establishing support groups, provide home-based care and help affected families find ways to make an income. In public campaigns, these UNVs speak out against the denial and discrimination that comes with AIDS.

In 1999, UNV received prominent support to help break this silence. German tennis star Michael Stich and his wife, actress Jessica Stockmann, took up assignments as Honorary UN Volunteers. On their first mission, they visited Zimbabwe. Visibility and widespread press coverage helped UNV put HIV/AIDS on the front page.

• Since June 1999, UN Volunteers are reaching out with information and advice to help people living with AIDS in the Caribbean Region. UN Volunteers meet HIV-positive people and encourage them to join new community-based volunteer networks. These self-help groups launch awareness campaigns, advocate for preventive medical care and inform their members about their legal rights. UNVs are active in this work in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti and Jamaica. In Trinidad and Tobago, a regional HIV/AIDS network has been set up.

In 1999, 92 UNV specialists and field workers served in the struggle against HIV/AIDS in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

Honorary UN Volunteers: Michael Stich and Jessica Stockmann
HIV/AIDS is an issue of particular concern to Wimbledon and ATP champion Michael Stich and actress Jessica Stockmann. The Honorary UN Volunteers established the Michael Stich Foundation for HIV/AIDS affected children in 1994 and have since been actively involved in assisting such children and their families. As Honorary UN Volunteers, they help raise awareness internationally on the issue. "We have been so fortunate in our lives that we feel we want to give something back for this important cause," says Michael Stich of their involvement. "As public figures, we can take advantage of our visibility to draw attention to the fight against of HIV/AIDS." Being so well known in Germany and in the tennis world, they will also highlight the contributions of volunteers worldwide in the context of preparations for the International Year of Volunteers 2001.