Visited with children affected by HIV

The children sang for the Crown Princess, and spoke to her about the joys and challenges of their lives.

HIV is not widespread in Malaysia. However, here, as in most countries, persons with HIV/AIDS may be subject to stigmatisation, exclusion and discrimination.

Large Norwegian delegation at the conference

Crown Princess Mette-Marit has been in Malaysia in connection with the conference Women Deliver. On Wednesday the Crown Princess once again had a full programme in Kuala Lumpur.

The day began with a panel discussion at a breakfast meeting organised by UNAIDS. The Crown Princess moderated the panel together with Mariângela Simão of UNAIDS. The panel focused on reducing maternal mortality and participants included Lakshmi Puri, Acting Head of UN Women.

Later in the morning, Crown Princess Mette-Marit visited the Norwegian stand at the exhibition area of the conference. Norwegian participation at Women Deliver has been considerable, and the Crown Princess was given an introduction to the areas of special importance targeted by organisations such as Sex og Politikk, FOKUS, the Strømme Foundation and Norwegian Church Aid and its youth organisation, Changemaker.

Impact Awards

In the evening, the Crown Princess attended the Impact Awards ceremony, hosted by the organisation Population Services International (PSI).

“Tonight we celebrate the work of people who have distinguished themselves through service to others,” she said in her opening remarks.

The Impact Awards honour women and men who have made a significant and lasting contribution to girls’ and women’s health worldwide.

“Today in most countries, girls and women are going to school more, living longer, getting better jobs, and acquiring legal rights and protections that might not have seemed possible 20 or 30 years ago. Much of that progress is due to women and men like those we are honouring tonight. I congratulate each one of you for your dedication,” the Crown Princess concluded.