§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what measures are being taken to restrict the spread of HIV in the Great Lakes Region; and if she will make a statement. [106404]
§ Clare ShortTackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic must play a central part in helping to reduce poverty, and to work for peace, security and prosperity in Africa. At the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in South Africa in November 1999, the Prime Minister announced a new UK Government commitment of £22.7 million for HIV/AIDS in Africa. This includes £14 million to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) to help develop a safe and affordable vaccine.
In the Great Lakes region, the current conflicts exacerbate the difficulties of addressing health issues. In the cases of Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeals contain interventions to help tackle the spread of HIV/AIDS.
In Rwanda in particular, the World Bank and DFID are working together to design a support programme for the education sector. Plans under discussion include support for HIV/AIDS awareness.