Hour 11 - Community Leadership and Political Commitment - World AIDS Day Worldwide
Channel: JOY TV
Date: 20/01/2014

Celebrating and empowering individuals to be role models in their communities sounds pretty straightforward. Sadly, there are too few people prepared to speak up in support of those living with and affected by HIV and thus break the stranglehold of stigma and discrimination. We can all heroes simply by supporting others. 
One of China's biggest television celebrities, CCTV host James Chau, joins James Findlay in the studio. In Melbourne to cover the launch of AIDS 2014 and World AIDS Day, James encourages media worldwide to recommit to covering the HIV and AIDS epidemic. A UNAIDS ambassador himself, James believes that the missing element in the global response is something we all have the power to deliver: 'Love and kindness'. These two factors go beyond science and medicine, finances and policy. It's these two factors in us all that can transform the lives of those living with and affected by HIV. 
Adam Garner joins the conversation and shares his very personal connection to HIV. Even before he became HIV positive, Adam advocated for those living with HIV. Now he works for the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), ensuring that the statement 'Nothing about us without us' holds true in all aspects of the worldwide global response to HIV and AIDS. Advising on policy development, funds allocation, community engagement, medical commitment and scientific advancements, GNP+ is the only international organisation to represent the HIV-positive community around the world. 
Equity and access to treatment globally are the driving forces behind Adam's work, and James Chau reminds us that we must open our hearts to the possibility of a united and compassionate commitment globally to ensure the epidemic is eventually conquered.