MEPs to back end to AIDs discrimination

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 19th Nov 2008

In time for World Aids Day, MEPs are set to endorse a resolution on HIV/AIDs, calling on the EU Commission and Member States to formulate a comprehensive strategy for early diagnosis and care.

The resolution also calls on Member States to outlaw discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDs and allow their free movement.

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford, a persistent campaigner against discrimination towards people with HIV/AIDs, said:

"Reports from health experts confirm that the number of new HIV infections reported continues to rise at an alarming rate in EU and neighbouring countries. But a large proportion remain undiagnosed, and cross-border cooperation is essential to identify all sufferers, offer free and anonymous testing and provide prompt care and treatment."

She added:

"I'm delighted that my campaign to end the exclusion of HIV/AIDS persons from US visa waiver through EU pressure is being won. But there is still a lot of work to do to ensure that individuals with HIV/AIDS are not discriminated against in travel, visas or free movement within Europe's borders and across the world. This European Parliament call for EU states to outlaw second class treatment must be acted on."