23-06-04

Action needed to avert Aids catastrophe – Barrett

Speaking in a parliamentary debate today, Edinburgh West MP, John Barrett, called on the Government to increase international aid spending in a bid to avert a HIV-aids catastrophe.

Over 40 million people are now estimated to live with HIV-aids with 70% living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over 2 million people are dying from the virus every year.  Last week, a report from the National Audit Office criticised the Government for failing to ensure money being spent on HIV programmes were having their desired effect.

During a debate in Westminster Hall on "HIV-Aids and Africa", Mr Barrett, who is also a member of the House of Commons International Development Select Committee argued more had to be done to halt and reverse the spread of the virus.

Commenting, he said:

"There is no doubt that we face the prospect of a HIV-aids catastrophe that if not addressed, could wipe out a whole generation of people in some developing countries.

"The Government must consider raising the amount of aid this country gives to poorer nations and set a timetable for raising our contributions to the United Nations target of 0.7% of GDP.  At the same time though, Ministers must ensure that money is being spent effectively.  They need to learn from what works well and what does not work at all.

"We face a great challenge in tackling this horrendous disease.  History will judge us on how we faced that challenge by the decisions we make and the action we take in the months ahead."

ENDS