MP in World Aids Day Talks                                                       

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, discussed the latest figures on HIV/AIDS infections with Mary Robinson United Nations High Commissioner  on Human Rights. During a visit to London Ms Robinson attended a meeting    at the House of Commons jointly sponsored by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Aids, which Mr Gerrard chairs and the National Aids Trust.

The latest figures, just released, show that there are now 40 million people world-wide infected with HIV" said Mr Gerrard. "In the last year alone there  were 5 million new infections, and 3 million people died of AIDS related illnesses. 

But AIDS is much more than a health problem. There is a lot of evidence that people who become infected suffer stigma and discrimination. They can be sacked from their jobs, become isolated, and be regarded as virtual outcasts from society."

"Dealing with HIV means addressing the human rights problems as well as the medical issues. I was delighted that Mary Robinson made it clear that she intends to use her position as Human Rights Commissioner at the UN to argue world-wide for the human rights of people infected with this virus."

The photo shows Neil Gerrard with Mary Robinson at the House of Commons meeting.

Dec 2001

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