29-11-02

Barrett supports World Aids Day

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West, will be supporting World Aids Day this Sunday (1st Dec) during a special service at St John's Church in Princes Street.

Mr Barrett will be laying a candle in the courtyard of St. John's in remembrance of those who have died through the disease.

John Barrett said:

"40 million people were estimated to be infected with HIV/aids across the world by the end of 2001. Unfortunately, this year has seen the situation get even worse with more than 5 million more infected.

"As a member of the House of Common's International Development Committee, I am particularly concerned over the levels of infections among the world's poorest countries. In Malawi, a country which I recently visited, around 20% of the population is infected. In nearby Botswana, the figure is even greater at almost 40%.

"In many cases, it is skilled professionals, including nurses and teachers who are infected and who are dying from the disease. That means we don't just need to treat those who are infected but invest in education in these countries to teach people about HIV/aids and remove some of the many misconceptions held."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

• More information is available from www.worldaidsday.org

• Mr Barrett has signed EDM 177 which says:
That this House notes that 1st December is World Aids Day; believes that the spread of HIV and AIDS in developing countries is preventable and believes that care and adequate treatment for those infected with HIV and AIDS in the developing world is hampered by debt and unfair international trade rules which favour resource-rich nations; congratulates the 22 United Kingdom-based non-governmental organisations which have united together to form the Stop AIDS Campaign in order to raise awareness about the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and campaign for increased United Kingdom and international action; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to take the lead internationally to stop AIDS by investing further resources in the combat against the epidemic, working harder to tackle poor country debt and addressing the lack of affordable medicines to treat HIV and AIDS.