Introduction to the Concert "Memento Mori: an AIDS Requiem",
Dedicated to International Memorial Day of the AIDS Victims

Tallinn Methodist Church
May 19, 2005
Ambassador Aldona Wos

Ladies and Gentlemen: Good evening. Tonight is a solemn occasion. We are here to listen to the music of American composer James Adler, performed by the Estonian National Male Choir, with soloists, while we contemplate the twenty million lives lost to AIDS.

How did we come to this point? AIDS is a diabolical disease. It doesn't manifest itself at all while spreading as a virus. Even as a disease, it's not always instantly visible in its victims. In this way, the spread of the disease is always a step ahead of those trying to track it, control it, and treat it. In a world where international travel is easier than it's ever been, it's no wonder it became an international pandemic in the course of a few short years.

It's a disease that thrives on lack of knowledge: the lack of knowledge of those who might be vulnerable to contracting it; and the lack of knowledge of those who might be in a position to stop its spread but don't know what to say or do. It's a disease that thrives on shame: the shame of those afraid to discuss it - both its victims, and, those like teachers and parents who could do more to educate about its dangers. It's a disease that thrives on fear: the fear of discussing it; the fear of contracting it; the fear of treating it.

It's a disease that spreads while too many people believe that it's got nothing to do with them, thinking: "it couldn't happen on my continent, in my country, to my kind of people," until one day they discover someone close to them has become a victim. As is increasingly evident, there is almost no sector of society, anywhere on earth, that is impervious to AIDS. When I worked as a doctor, I lost colleagues - well-educated, upstanding members of society - to AIDS. Only through the grace of God did I avoid the random needle pricks in the 1980's that sealed the fate of some of my dearly-missed fellow doctors.

There are many here tonight who are active in the fight against AIDS - in treating it and in preventing its spread. I salute you. I wish you the strength you need to gain the upper hand in this desperate struggle. I hope the support my government has offered has been of some use, but I know that even with the support of many foreign governments combined with the resources of the Estonian state, we are still facing an uphill battle. All I can ask is that we be granted the strength, energy, courage and wisdom to do the right thing.

Thank you for your attention.