Lamy calls for more AIDS research funding
In a speech to mark World AIDS Day on 1 December, EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy called for more funding for research. 'To everyone affected by AIDS, especially in the developing world [...] I would say this: there is hope in sight. But everyone who can make a difference must act now. This means a global joint effort with everyone putting their money where their mouth is, in whatever way they can. I mean all stakeholders: governments, donor organisations, industry, non-governmental organisations. Let's look at all the angles together,' said Mr Lamy. The Commissioner called specifically for more research investment, and for the promotion of public-private partnerships 'to find a cure and an effective vaccine.' A joint report by the United Nations and the World Health Organisation published in November claims that 42 million people worldwide are now living with HIV, five million of them infected during 2002. Over three million people have already died from AIDS this year. The European Commission will provide financial support of 1155 million euro under the Sixth Framework Programme for research aimed at combating major diseases