HIV/AIDS-related operations in developing countries, 1997-1999

This programme sets out the priority actions and administrative rules for HIV/AIDS-related cooperation with developing countries. It follows from the Commission communication on HIV/AIDS in developing countries adopted 7 January 1994 and subsequent calls from both the Council and the European Parliament for increased Community involvement to assist the efforts of developing countries to minimize the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

In implementing the programme, the Community is to give priority to the following aims:

- Reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and the spread of other diseases capable of being transmitted sexually or perinatally;
- Reinforcing health and social services so that they can cope with the growing demands of the spreading epidemic;
- Helping governments and communities to assess the epidemic's impact on different economic sectors and social groups, and to define and implement strategies to cope with it;
- Developing scientific understanding of the epidemic and of the impact of measures, with a view to improving their quality, while excluding basic research;
- Combating discrimination against, and the social and economic exclusion of, persons infected with HIV/AIDS.

The measures taken to achieve these priority objectives support strategies developed at international, regional and national level with the beneficiary countries. (Further details on these measures are contained in the "Subdivisions" section of this summary).
To assist developing countries in their efforts to minimize the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to help them cope with its impact on health and socio-economic development.
Measures to support priority objectives:

- Reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and the spread of other diseases capable of being transmitted sexually or perinatally through:
. Information and education on sexual and reproductive health and rights as regards reproduction; special attention shall be given to making the measures specially adapted and accessible to the target groups, notably people in high-risk environments and the most socially and economically vulnerable individuals and communities, in particular women and young people. Such measures shall also include dialogue with religious communities;
. Greater efficiency in reducing the transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STD), inter alia through the promotion of better screening and treatment methods for such diseases;
. Improved availability and use of different means and methods of protection, including the safety of blood transfusions and other forms of injection;
. Support for the HIV/AIDS problem to be taken into account in development policies and strategies; . Support for measures that aim to increase women's power of decision in all areas of sexuality and reproductive health, to enable them to encourage the widespread use of different means and methods of protection against HIV/STD infection and transmission, act accordingly and protect the health of unborn children and to increase awareness of, and responsibility for, these issues in the population, especially the male population;

- Reinforcing health and social services so that they can cope with the growing demands of the spreading epidemic through:
. Strengthening health services, particularly primary health services, by taking steps to increase national, regional and local capacities to develop preventive activities and care and to improve access for the most vulnerable;
. Studying ways and means of improving access to treatment for people infected with HIV in the poorest countries. This study should be conducted in close collaboration with the United Nations agencies, concerned NGOs, pharmaceutical laboratories and the Member States of the European Union;
. Strengthening capacities with regard to blood transfusion and nosocomial safety;
. Improved training for medical and paramedical personnel;
. Improved notification and statistical systems for epidemiological monitoring;

- Helping governments and communities to assess the epidemic's impact on different economic sectors and social groups and to define and implement strategies to cope with it through:
. Technical back-up to help governments analyse the social and economic impact of the epidemic and develop and implement suitable strategies in the sectors concerned;
. Technical and financial support to enable non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local communities to optimize their contribution to prevention and care, notably through help with the formation of networks intended to improve the effectiveness of efforts and to reinforce the information, coordination and collaboration of all protagonists;
. Encouragement of participation by local communities in developing local strategies for information, sex education programmes and funding;

- Developing scientific understanding of the epidemic and of the impact of measures, with a view to improving their quality, while excluding basic research, through:
. Development of scientific training through better monitoring of programmes based on relevant indicators, and the strengthening of applied medical, sociological, and anthropological research;
. Support for the exchange of information on experience gained;

- Combating discrimination against, and the social and economic exclusion of, persons infected with HIV/AIDS by:
. Promoting respect for the rights of the individual, and in particular rights as regards reproduction;
. Encouraging non-discrimination and combating the stigma attaching to those living with the virus, in particular by public information campaigns and the setting-up of an appropriate legislative framework.
The Commission is responsible for appraising, deciding and administering the operations covered by this programme. It is assisted by the geographically-determined committee competent for development.

The programme is directed primarily at the poorest and least developed countries and the most disadvantaged sections of the population of developing countries. Financial support takes the form of grants, with partners eligible for support including:

- National, regional and local government departments and agencies;
- Local authorities and other decentralized bodies, including traditional social structures;
- Regional organizations and international organizations;
- Research institutes and universities;
- Local communities and the private sector, including NGOs, women's organizations and groups and grassroots associations able to contribute whatever expertise they have to the design, implementation and monitoring of the priority strategies in the HIV/AIDS field, as described in "General Information" section of this summary.

The types of activities eligible for financial support under the Regulation include studies, technical assistance, training or other services, supplies or works, as well as audits and evaluation and monitoring missions. Priority is to be given to enhancing national capacity, particularly through training with a view to long-term viability.

Community financing may cover both investment expenditure (with the exception of the purchase of buildings) and recurrent expenditure (which includes administrative expenditure, maintenance and running costs). A contribution from the abovementioned partners will be sought for each cooperation operation; the amount requested will be based on their means and the nature of the operation concerned. Opportunities for cofinancing with other fund providers, especially the Member States, may also be pursued.

Projects financed under the programme must, as far as possible, aim at medium-term viability.

After each budget year, the Commission is required to submit a report to the Council and the European Parliament summarizing the operations financed during the course of that year and evaluating the implementation of the programme over that period.