EP asks Commission to step up efforts in combatting HIV and infectious diseases
MEP Miriam Dalli pushes for strong political action: ‘Inaction no longer acceptable’
The European Parliament this week called on the European Commission to come forward with an action plan intended to address the rising HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis epidemics in Europe. After substantial pressure by S&D MEPs over the past year, the S&D’s resolution was adopted in this week’s plenary session with a vast majority.
While addressing the European Parliament, S&D spokesperson for health Miriam Dalli said that inaction and inadequate efforts are no longer acceptable. “The cost of complacency is far too burdensome. These infectious diseases are a major threat to the rights of the child, adolescents, women and their families. The social impacts are disproportionate and the stigma is devastating,” she said.
The S&D MEP stated that political will is the strongest asset to address this scourge; however, this asset has gone untapped so far. Dalli underlined that only through this political commitment to fight infectious diseases such as HIV, TB and Hepatitis can we start succeeding in defeating this pandemic.
“It is political will that will mobilise other sectors of society. It is political will that will ultimately empower everyone to fight this problem. We have an opportunity which we cannot overlook. This is our time to act and make a difference,” said Dr Dalli.
It is estimated that around 400 people die every day from viral hepatitis and related causes, while tuberculosis is re-emerging as one of the gravest yet underestimated threats to global health. In terms of HIV, 2015 saw almost 30,000 new HIV infections reported, with a high percentage of new infections identified among young people.
“This is not only a tragedy for the people affected; this battle is theirs as much as anyone else’s. We have the responsibility to do more, break the taboos surrounding infectious diseases, step up prevention and ensure all patients get access to innovative and affordable treatments,” Miriam Dalli concluded.