§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her assessment of the availability of HIV prevention initiatives for(a) people with physical disabilities and (b) people with mental disabilities; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleSince the beginning of the HIV public education campaign, initiatives have been taken to devise and sponsor educational material for groups not effectively reached by the national campaign, including those with physical impairment or learning difficulties. There is a considerable range of material available to meet different needs produced by the Health Education Authority arid specialist voluntary organisations. Health and local authorities are specifically encouraged to assess the needs of their local communities for sexual health education and develop targeted projects. The guidance for the 1994–95 AIDS support grant, LAC(94)3, and the healthy alliances scheme both emphasise the importance of work for people with disabilities of any sort. Copies of the guidance are available in the Library.