Today, World AIDS Day, GUE/NGL MEPs are highlighting the important role public investment in research plays in the continuing global fight against HIV.

Czech MEP Kateřina Konečná, the Group's coordinator on Public Health issues in the European Parliament, said: “We show our solidarity with those living with HIV and we remember those whose lives were tragically cut short as a result of the virus.

“Research on HIV/AIDS in the EU must remain a top priority. By supporting the development, testing and optimisation of new treatments, preventive tools and novel diagnostics we are helping to bring vaccine candidates to the trial stage.”

She added: “The latest UN global statistics from 2012 show that 2.3 million people are diagnosed annually with HIV and that 35.3 million people are living with the virus worldwide. Now is certainly not the time for EU governments to decrease support to this important fight.”

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