Delivering her Commonwealth Day message today in Sydney's St. Andrew's Cathedral, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II called for greater support for those with HIV/AIDS. She noted that more than half the world's 40 million people with HIV/AIDS live in the Commonwealth, an association of 53 countries, most former British colonies, with a population of 1.8 billion. "Ignorance and lack of understanding about these issues sometimes breed uncertainty, even fear and the inclination to turn from those who are unwell," she said. "But we know, for example, that someone who is HIV-positive can, with proper support, lead a full and rewarding life." Continuing the day's "Health and Vitality" theme, the queen said half a million women annually died during childbirth or pregnancy, "yet very many of these deaths are preventable with adequate health care."

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