MP Hosts Visit from Russian Parliament

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, was last week acting as the host for a visit to the UK from members of the Russian Duma. The visit was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS, chaired by Mr Gerrard. The Duma members visiting were members of a similar group which has recently been established in Russia, and the two groups discussed how they could cooperate in the future.

“Most people are now well aware of the AIDS epidemic in Africa” said Mr Gerrard. “But far fewer people realise that in Eastern Europe and in Asia a potentially huge problem is developing. Some estimates suggest that by 2010 there could be up to 70 million new HIV infections in Russia, China, and the Indian sub-continent. We want to work with the Russian MPs who are seriously concerned about this problem to help to try to stem this possible flood of new infections in its early stages.”

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the two Parliamentary Groups, committing them to working together to:

• Raise awareness among decision-makers from Government, business, and civil society about the impact of HIV/AIDS

• Work to try to strengthen relevant legislation

• Take a public stand on discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS

• Work to increase access to treatment, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS in the UK and the Russian Federation

Neil Gerrard said that the signing of the memorandum marks an important step forward. “Parliamentarians can play an important role in ensuring that HIV/AIDS remains a political priority” he said. “It is especially important that we keep HIV/AIDS on the agenda of international institutions and conferences. With Britain hosting the G8 summit in 2005, Tony Blair has already committed himself to ensuring that the G8 discusses HIV/AIDS. Russia will be hosting the G8 in 2006, so that provides a great opportunity for our two groups of Parliamentarians to work together over the next two years and strengthen international efforts.”

December 2004

The photo shows Neil Gerrard and Tatyana Yakovleva, Chair of the Health Committee of the Duma, at the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two groups.

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