Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress or expected progress in the International community's efforts to combat aids in Africa; when it is expected that adequate medical supplies will become available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4560/07]

Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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HIV/AIDS continues to be the single biggest obstacle to reducing poverty and to attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Current statistics from the United Nations Joint Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) indicate that, in 2006, almost 40 million people were living with the HIV virus. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the worst-affected region in the world and is now home to over 25 million adults and children living with HIV. Infection rates are increasing in other regions also, with some countries in Eastern Europe and central Asia recording the highest rates of new infections worldwide.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is impeding development and leading to an increase in poverty. It generally affects the most productive and economically-active members of society and serves to further disadvantage those people most vulnerable to infection — such as migrant workers, women and adolescents.

Responding to the global problem of HIV/AIDS is a key priority for the Irish Government. This commitment is very clearly outlined in the White Paper on Irish Aid which was published last September. Following the commitment made by the Taoiseach in his speech to the United Nations in September 2005, funding for HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases doubled from €50 to €100 million in 2006. Funding has been directed at programmes at international, regional and country level to provide increased access to HIV prevention, treatment and care services. Dr Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, last week confirmed that Ireland is one of the leaders in the global response to HIV/AIDS. He commended, in particular, Ireland's leadership in tackling HIV-related stigma and discrimination through the 'Stamp out Stigma Campaign' which was launched by the Taoiseach on World Aids Day, December 1st, 2006.

While HIV/AIDS remains a critical threat to human progress in many countries, there has been some progress in the international response in recent years. This is reflected in stronger political commitment to halt the epidemic, more funding becoming available for AIDS programmes, the establishment of effective national AIDS control programmes — all leading to a real decrease in HIV prevalence rates in countries such as Uganda, Zambia and Cambodia.

Ireland is supportive of the introduction of anti-retroviral treatment programmes in developing countries. In these countries we have supported the strengthening of health systems, the procurement and supply of medication and the training of health workers, which are all necessary for the introduction of HIV treatment programmes. In addition to this, Ireland has provided support to the '3 × 5' Initiative of the World Health Organisation — a programme that has led to the provision of anti-retroviral treatment for over 1.5 million people in poorer countries. Ireland is also working closely with the William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation to allow those infected with HIV/AIDS access treatment in Mozambique and in Lesotho.

Ireland will continue to work with the international community in advocating for a sustained and resourced global response to HIV/AIDS, strengthened leadership at all levels and improved coordination of resources for effective HIV/AIDS prevention and control.