Democracy advocate Aung Sun Suu Kyi has urged Australians to battle AIDS as well as the discrimination the
disease sufferers face.
Speaking at a ceremony to mark World AIDS Day in Melbourne, the Myanmar opposition leader compared the plight of those suffering to her party's political struggle.
"We had been discriminated against for our political beliefs," Ms Suu Kyi said on Sunday.
"To be discriminated against on any grounds - grounds of race, religion, belief, physical disability or physical disease - is just not acceptable in a civilised society."
Ms Suu Kyi's comments came as Melbourne was confirmed as the host of the 20th International AIDS Conference in July next year.
But health groups have used the day to warn Australian authorities the country is lagging badly in tackling an alarming increase in HIV infections.
New cases jumped by ten per cent last year - the highest in two decades.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the conference would bring about 18,000 delegates from 200 countries to Australia.
Ms Bishop said Australia had enjoyed success at combatting AIDS, but could not afford to become complacent.
