EP proposals for tackling communicable diseases

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) today urged the Commission to address the increase in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis cases in the EU and to develop long-term programs.

A harmonized infection surveillance programs needed to immediately detect outbreaks of these contagious diseases, assess trends in prevalence, provide disease burden estimates and effectively track in real time how diagnosis, treatment and care are managed. As HIV remains the communicable disease bearing the greatest social stigma, the Commission and member states should facilitate access to innovative treatments, also for the most vulnerable groups, and combat social stigma.

They encourage member states to make HIV tests available free of charge, to ensure early detection.