Press Release: Commission continues its assistance to the Benghazi HIV-AIDS sufferers

The European Commission has earmarked an additional €500,000 for continuing its support to Libya in its fight against the AIDS/HIV epidemic in Benghazi. This grant, that follows two successive disbursements of €1 million each in July 2005 and March 2006, will be used to consolidate the upgrading of the Benghazi Centre for Infectious Diseases and Immunology (BCIDI) and to further support the development of a comprehensive strategy for delivery of equitable and effective HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. The EU intends to continue supporting the Libyan Authorities in the development of a national AIDS programme. These interventions are part of the longer-term initiative: “HIV Action Plan for Benghazi”. The Action Plan was launched by the EU in November 2004 and is being implemented by the Libyan authorities with support from the Commission and EU Member States.