WRITTEN QUESTION E-1513/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(29 May 2002)

Subject: Decline in life expectancy caused by AIDS

Reports have recently appeared in the Italian weekly press containing alarming statistics on the decline in life expectancy in the countries most affected by the HIV virus. Of the 25 countries with the highest incidence of infection, 24 are in Africa, and in seven of these over 20 % of the population is HIV-positive. Unless drastic action is taken, as many as a quarter of Africa's inhabitants could die of AIDS.

Can the Commission state what cooperation activities exist with to name only a few of the African countries most affected by AIDS South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Malawi, aimed at fighting the spread of the virus?

Can it state what forms of Community aid exist for those countries and explain the situation as regards their actual utilisation?

Does the Commission not consider that, taking into account the high levels of migration from the countries named to Europe, the EU must take all necessary steps to control the spread of the virus in our own continent, in which it is already a serious problem?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(10 July 2002)

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) prevention and care has, since the beginning of the epidemic, been a major priority in Community development policies and programmes. In February 2002, the Commission adopted the accelerated action targeted on human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis (TB) in the context of poverty reduction which aims to tackle the very complex AIDS-related issues for the populations most affected.

The Commission's support for AIDS prevention and care is provided by many instruments including geographical and thematic budget lines, as well as through co-financing of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international initiatives such as the Global Fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The Commission is currently implementing AIDS prevention and care projects in all the mentioned countries, adding up to a total allocation of EUR 232,5 million (a table is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's Secretariat).

The Programme of Community action on the prevention of AIDS and certain other communicable diseases has the global objective to help contain the spread of AIDS and reduce mortality and morbidity due to communicable diseases by encouraging cooperation between Member States, promoting cooperation between prevention policies and programmes and supporting the activities of non-governmental organisations, including organisations for people affected by HIV.

One of the specific objectives of this programme is to combat discrimination. There is no evidence that immigrants from the mentioned countries pose a special threat for the spread of the virus in Europe. On the other hand, migrants, ethnic minorities and other mobile groups have specific needs with respect to HIV/AIDS prevention and care. The needs of these populations, taking into account their cultural, linguistic and socio-economic background, are addressed in the programme. For example, as care, support and access to treatment are usually less available to migrants, due to both legal factors and communication problems. The Commission funds projects such as the European project AIDS and mobility to avoid stigmatisation and address the specific prevention and care needs of migrants in Europe.