Press Release: A strategy for combating HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighbouring countries 2009-2013

On 26 October 2009 the Commission renewed its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighbouring countries by adopting a strategy for the period 2009-2013. Effective HIV treatment exists but there is still no cure or vaccine against AIDS. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighbouring countries has increased from 1.5 million in 2001 to 2.2 million in 2007. Approximately 730,000 of these people live in the EU. With 50,000 newly diagnosed HIV cases in the EU and the neighbouring countries alone in 2007, there is no time for complacency. Disparities exist between the numbers of HIV cases and the different modes of transmission across Europe. The strategy tackles these differences by concentrating on 3 key areas: HIV prevention and HIV testing, priority groups most at risk of HIV and priority regions. The strategy was accompanied by an action plan which illustrates concrete steps, target groups and evaluation tools that can be used to measure progress.

• Primary Source

Deutsche Welle, 26.10.09: "One in three" unaware they are HIV positive http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4827567,00.html

European Commission: MEMO/09/479: EC communication 'Combating Hiv/Aids in the European Union and neighbouring countries, 2009-2013': questions & answers http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/09/479&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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