Commission pledges action in fight against AIDS
The European Commission marked World AIDS Day on 1 December by confirming their commitment to combating the disease by all means possible. Research Commissioner, Philippe Busquin, Trade Commissioner, Pascal Lamy, Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner, Poul Nielson and Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne pledged action to improve diagnosis and care, make prevention a top priority and to strengthen health systems in developing countries. The Commissioners were following up their statements of intent made at the Round Table on communicable diseases held on 28 September. A further boost to the process is expected at the forthcoming G8 conference in Okinawa, and at the EU-US summit on 18 December. Commissioner Busquin said: 'Thanks to the EU research programmes, the European science community and vaccine industry are working together to develop vaccines against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and to make treatment cheaper as well as adapt it to the needs of the poorest countries. These diseases are not only a major burden for the health sector, but also for the economic development of the countries concerned.' A total of 120 million euro has been assigned to vaccine and drug development for those three diseases between now and 2002. Commissioner Byrne added: 'Recently released figures indicate that world wide 34 million people have HIV/AIDS. These are truly shocking figures and represent an incalculable toll of human suffering. In 1991 we adopted the first 'Europe against Aids' programme. A total of 90 million euro has been spent on prevention, information and support measures for people with HIV/AIDS and combating discrimination. Our efforts to combat aids will continue under the new 300 million euro public health programme, which was proposed in May this year.'