The pandemic of HIV-AIDS is the major development challenge facing sub-Saharan Africa. The most recent UNAIDS-WHO report on rates of infection shows that there are now 16 countries in sub-Saharan Africa in which more than one tenth of the adult population aged 15-49 is infected with HIV. In seven countries, all in the southern cone of the continent, at least one adult in five is living with the virus.
The unparalleled impact of the pandemic requires an urgent and broad based response by the affected countries and by the international community. Ireland has been to the forefront at international and EU level in urging intensified action to tackle the HIV-AIDS pandemic in Africa. An important international initiative was the first ever UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV-AIDS, UNGASS, which took place in New York from 25-27 June 2001. The concern with which Ireland views the HIV-AIDS pandemic was underlined by the decision of the Taoiseach to personally lead the Irish delegation to the special session.
At EU level we pressed the European Commission to prepare a programme for accelerated action against HIV-AIDS, malaria and TB. This communication, which was published in September 2000, formed the basis of the new EU policy and action plan to tackle HIV-AIDS, which was adopted by Development Ministers in November 2000. The new policy focuses on a number of key areas, including improving the effectiveness of existing interventions, improving access to medicines and increased research and development. The European Union has also contributed substantially to the global AIDS and health fund, which was agreed at UNGASS. Out of a total commitment of 1.8 billion, more than 1 billion has been pledged by the EU member states and the Commission.