Ahead of World Aids Day this Sunday, GUE/NGL MEP Kartika Liotard has commented on the importance of keeping up the global fight against HIV.

She said: “Every year on 1 December people around the world come together to reiterate their commitment to the fight against HIV, to show solidarity with those for whom HIV is a daily reality, and to remember those who are sadly no longer with us.

“This year the focus is on HIV testing. Data from 2012 shows that in EU/EEA countries 49% of people that tested positive for HIV were diagnosed late in the course of their infection. These people need antiretroviral therapy (ART) right away because their immune system is already starting to fail. By providing ART earlier people with HIV have a better chance of living longer and healthier lives, and the risk of transmitting HIV to others is significantly reduced.”

“The GUE/NGL believes that EU governments should prioritise the fight against HIV and AIDs as cornerstones of their public health policies.”

GUE/NGL Press Contacts:
Emily Macintosh +32 470 85 05 08
Gay Kavanagh +32 473 84 23 20
European United Left / Nordic Green Left
European Parliamentary Group