§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to respond to the request from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for a report on the UK Government's activities concerning HIV/AIDS and human rights.[138561]
§ Mr. HainThe HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the most serious threats to health in modern times. Globally, nearly 34 million people live with HIV/AIDS. And, for many, it is not just their health that suffers but also their economic and social rights.
That is why we see HIV/AIDS as an absolute priority. We are intensifying our support for more effective national and regional action to tackle HIV/AIDS; increasing support for vaccine development and microbicides to prevent infection; and collaborating with national governments, the private sector, civil society, researchers, UNAIDS, UNICEF and WHO in ensuring the most effective global response to the pandemic.
In responding to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights we shall of course highlight these and our other efforts. I expect to issue this response in the near future, once we, in conjunction with DFID, have compiled the necessary information.