MP in AIDS Strategy Launch

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, was last week asked by International Development Minister Douglas Alexander, to chair the launch of the updated UK strategy on HIV and AIDS. The launch took place before an invited audience at Lancaster House. Mr Gerrard chairs the All Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS and the Group was among those who took an n active role in the consultation process leading to the new strategy.

“Since the previous strategy was published in 2004 the UK has been at the forefront of the international response to AIDS” said Mr Gerrard. “We are the second largest donor country in the world, with only the US giving more to increase the global response to AIDS. The new strategy focuses on addressing the challenges we face in ensuring that there is universal access to care and treatment for those living with HIV and AIDS. We will be putting more efforts into building healthcare systems in the developing world so that a whole range of diseases can be better tackled.”

“We will also be putting more resources into programmes to help orphans and vulnerable children and deal with their health and education needs. By 2010 we want to ensure that the vast majority of pregnant women worldwide can receive the drugs treatments they need to reduce the risk of mother to child transmission of HIV. Our funding for research and development of an AIDS vaccine will be increased.”

“I believe that the new strategy will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of international efforts to combat the scourge of HIV and AIDS.”

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