7. November 2009 - Berlin, Germany

A gala event at the Berlin Opera on 7 November has raised €280,000 (£250,000) to help AIDS victims overcome the stigma of HIV. 2000 distinguished guests responded to the call of Begum Inaara Aga Khan to attend the 16th Annual Opera Gala for the benefit of the German AIDS Foundation.

Amongst them were members of the newly elected German cabinet, including Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister, Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Defence Minister Dr. Karl-Theodor Freiherr zu Guttenberg and Health Minister Dr. Philipp Rösler. Minister Guttenberg said: “The subject of AIDS is simply too important. Public awareness must never be allowed to fade.“

The Mayor of Berlin, Mr. Klaus Wowereit said AIDS is still fatal and so people must be reminded of the threat posed by HIV. In a keynote speech, Begum Inaara thanked all the guests and supporters of this annual event from the bottom of her heart. She said: “Even though it has been a difficult year, you have remained committed to helping our fellow human beings who are the unfortunate victims of HIV and AIDS”.

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