ESC opinion on proposed programme on the prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases
The Economic and Social Committee (ESC) welcomed the Commission's proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a programme of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases within the framework for action in the field of public health. The proposal accords with the ESC's desire to see existing programmes in specific areas strengthened by the formulation of a more general action programme in the public health sector. Community action will gain in solidity and coherence by being extended to cover other communicable diseases, which may be easier to prevent if there is Community-level coordination and if good use is made of the experience acquired in combating AIDS. The Committee called for efforts to be focused initially on those communicable diseases most closely related to AIDS and on the pooling of information in the case of vaccines and nosocomial infections contracted in hospitals. The Committee also stressed the importance of coordinating any measures taken with other Community measures and of developing cooperation with international organizations and third countries. The Committee welcomed the emphasis placed by the Commission on consultation with health professionals and non-governmental organizations working in the relevant fields. However, the Committee regretted the Commission's failure to refer to the social partners and its underestimation of the scope for action at the workplace through information, prevention and education activities.