Ivan Camilleri, Brussels
Brussels promotes condoms and clean needles to fight AIDS
The European Commission has unveiled a five-year strategy to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, saying condoms and clean needles are the best way to stop the spread of the disease.
“A correct and consistent use of condoms remains the most effective means of HIV prevention through sexual transmission and provision of sterile needles and injecting equipment and substitution treatment are the most effective means of HIV prevention through injecting drug use,” the Commission said in a communication to member states and the European Parliament.
Launching the new strategy in Brussels this week, Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou said the EU needed to continue the political momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
“We need to encourage people to take responsibility for themselves and their partners by talking about and practising safe sex and going for HIV testing. However, this needs to go hand in hand with respect for human rights and non-discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS. We have treatment options today that can delay the outbreak of AIDS for many years.”
The number of Europeans living with HIV and AIDS has increased at a worrying rate, from 1.5 million in 2001 to 2.2 million in 2007. About 730,000 of these live within the EU, with about 3,000 deaths reported each year.
In its strategy, the Commission is calling for a three-pronged approach based on improving prevention and testing, targeting high-risk groups, such as drug-users, homosexuals and immigrants, and focusing on those parts of Europe where AIDS has spread the most.
The Commission said efforts were needed to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease, which often prevented people from undergoing testing.
According to Commission figures, about 40 per cent of all new infections in the EU involve men having had sex with other men. About 30 per cent of HIV sufferers are unaware of the fact that they have contracted the virus.
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stefan kottmann
Oct 31st 2009, 18:25
Off the point, but I think condoms fit Vodafone's image perfectly. Life Is Now!
Adriano Spiteri
Oct 30th 2009, 10:00
What about the huge number of people coming to Europe illegally, espescially from Africa?
They are never checked for HIV but it is a known fact that there are so many positive to it.
Brussels promotes condoms whereas the University students stll struggle to have a condom vending machine installed. The Church continues to oppress the people.
Ramon Casha
Oct 30th 2009, 06:46
@Gerry: A sensible comment? In response to the absurd fuss about a free condom publicity stunt? You must be joking.
As for what Vodafone has to do with condoms..... well, condoms COULD be used as a makeshift waterproof holder for mobile phones :)
Gerry Cowie
Oct 29th 2009, 19:53
What on earth does this have to do with the Vodafone issue other than the word "condom"?
Ramon "Certain People" Casha makes his usual throwaway sarcastic comment! What is the connection exactly to Brussells Sprouts? Come on, Ramon, if you are going to make a point then make a sensible one. It adds to one's credibility if one can make a constructive and sensible point!
The main issue was in fact what connection has Vodafone with condoms? And anyway, how on earth is one condom going to have any major effect? If students want them they know how to get hold of them!
And if Chris Finch is going to wait for one with every top up voucher, what happens if he cannot get hold of a voucher? What exactly is he trying to say here?
No religious arguments, just a look at how a serious subject appears all-too-often to be treated rather childishly. Let's stick to making sensible and constructive statements if we are to influence others by our opinions!
Ramon Casha
Oct 29th 2009, 11:19
I wonder what certain people will say in response to this, considering all the fuss about the Vodafone publicity stunt. Maybe they'll boycott Brussels sprouts or something.
Chris Finch
Oct 29th 2009, 11:12
And some people are complaining because vodafone handed condoms out free to students.
Congratulations vodafone. Maybe you could include one with every top up voucher? It would certainly increase my mobile usage.