2011 United Nations AIDS Ribbon

30 Years of a World Living with AIDS

In 2011, the U.N. Postal Administration joined a global initiative to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention by issuing a set of ribbon die-cut stamps – the first-ever U.N. self-adhesive stamps.  By raising awareness, the U.N. hoped to reduce the number of new infections.  In the 10 years since the 2001 Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS, consistent progress has been made in providing universal access to prevention, treatment, care, and support.  Additionally, new HIV infections have dropped by about 20% in that 10 years.  In spite of this, an estimated 10 million people were still waiting for treatment at the time the stamps were issued.  It is estimated that for every one person starting treatment, another two will become infected.  Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon set a new goal: “Let us, once and for all, set the course for zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths.”