We need to empower women. Give women a voice in the decision-making process. Give women a political voice where they can champion, for their own welfare. And, of course, for us. United Nations - organizations, agencies - we need to do our part.

HIV AIDS is a disease with stigma. And we have learned with experience, not just with HIV AIDS but with other diseases, countries for many reasons are sometimes hesitant to admit they have a problem.

The multiple roles that women can play in a society if given the opportunity is really a tremendous asset.

I am personally overseeing changes that include the establishment of a global health emergency workforce.

All countries should immediately now activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia.

When you're dealing with new and emerging diseases, you have no idea and you can't predict in advance what would happen.

The international community should treat this as a window of opportunity to ramp up preparedness and response.