A strategy for combating HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighboring countries 2009-2013

The European Commission has renewed its efforts to fight HIV/AIDS in the European Union and neighboring 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 neighboring 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 neighboring countries alone in 2007, there is no time for complacency, an EC statement points out.

Disparities exist between the numbers of HIV cases and the different modes of transmission across Europe. The strategy tackles these differences by concentrating on three key areas: HIV prevention and HIV testing, priority groups most at risk of HIV and priority regions. The strategy is accompanied by an action plan which illustrates concrete steps, target groups and evaluation tools that can be used to measure progress.