Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans or proposals at international level to enhance the programme to tackle AIDS in Africa with particular reference to the availability and use of the most modern medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18636/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number and location of African countries in need of aid to address AIDS and starvation; his plans through the EU or UN to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18854/05]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 166 together.

The HIV-AIDS pandemic is leading to a reversal of development gains in many African countries. It generally affects the most productive and economically active members of society. In societies where most people depend on agriculture as a source of income, there is a strong association between high rates of HIV infection and food insecurity. The scarcity of food increases the risk of exposure to HIV-AIDS. Infection with HIV-AIDS in turn increases the vulnerability of families to food insecurity.

Eastern and southern regions of Africa are at the epicentre of the AIDS pandemic. It is in countries such Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Lesotho that the greatest concentration of assistance is required to address the structural problems contributing to food insecurity and diseases such as HIV-AIDS. In these situations, there is need for action on two levels: responding to needs related to the current crisis, while simultaneously supporting actions that address longer-term needs.

Responding to the problem of HIV-AIDS is a key priority for the Irish development co-operation programme. Ireland was one of the first donors to develop a HIV-AIDS strategy and since 2001 the financial allocations to the fight against AIDS have increased tenfold with a budget allocation reaching almost €50 million this year. Through our work with the EU and the United Nations funds and programmes, we work at an international level to advocate for a sustained and well-resourced global response to HIV-AIDS.

Ireland is supportive of the introduction of anti-retroviral treatment programmes in developing countries in the context of national responses which encompass prevention, treatment and care in an integrated manner. In these countries we have supported the strengthening of health systems, the procurement and supply of medication and the training of health workers, all of which are necessary for the introduction of HIV treatment programmes. In addition to this, Ireland supports the implementation of the 3 X 5 Initiative of the World Health Organisation, a programme that aims to have 3 million people in developing countries accessing HIV treatment programmes by the end of 2005. Ireland is also working closely with and providing financial assistance to the William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation. This partnership provides financial and technical support to assist in the preparation of integrated HIV-AIDS treatment, care and prevention programmes.

Ireland is also supplying technical and financial support to governments, NGOs and UN agencies to help them to respond effectively to the twin challenges of HIV-AIDS and food insecurity. We are also actively supporting the development of a new European Commission programme for action to confront AIDS, TB and malaria.

Although there has been progress over the last three years in responding to the critical needs of people living in the region, there is a recognition that responding to HIV-AIDS, restoring food supplies and providing effective treatment will only happen after sustained assistance by governments and international organisations. I am determined that, in the context of a growing official aid programme, Ireland will continue to provide assistance to governments and international organisations that are effectively responding to the enormous development challenges presented by this disease.