Brendan Howlin
Question:42 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for the planned major conference on HIV/AIDS during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30485/03]
Written Answers. - HIV Infection.
The Government has prioritised HIV/AIDS on the development agenda for its Presidency of the EU in 2004. Development Co-operation Ireland and the Department of Health and Children will co-host a ministerial conference, Breaking the Barriers – Partnership for an Effective Response to HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia, in Dublin Castle on 23 and 24 February 2004. The conference is being organised in co-operation with UNAIDS, UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and the European Commission.
The conference takes place against the background of a continuing rise in HIV/AIDS prevalence rates across the European and central Asian region. The increase in prevalence rates in some countries has reached a level which poses an immediate and significant challenge for Governments. The conference, which will probably be the biggest event based in Ireland during the Presidency, will focus on four key areas: the need for stronger dialogue and co-operation at the regional level; the appropriate role of Governments, civil society and the private sector; preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly among young people; and the challenges facing people living with AIDS, including access to care and treatment. It is anticipated that the conference will adopt a declaration which will provide a basis for future strengthened co-operation across the region.
Ministers from 55 member countries of the UN Economic Commission for Europe have been invited to the conference. High level representatives from UNAIDS, UNICEF, the WHO and the European Commission, the Council of Europe and the Economic Commission for Europe will also be present. We have received confirmation of attendance from many countries and organisations, including the President of the European Parliament, Mr. Cox, EU Commissioner David Byrne, the President of Portugal, the executive director of UNAIDS, the director general of WHO, the executive director of UNICEF and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The conference will provide a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the threat posed by HIV/AIDS to the European and central Asian region and to mobilise political commitment to the struggle against it. It will foster new forms of co-operation and partnership in addressing this threat. The Government will continue to advocate an accelerated global response to HIV/AIDS and will maintain this key development challenge high on its agenda.