Women and Girls: HIV

Debate between Baroness Verma and Baroness Lister of Burtersett

Tuesday 1st December 2015 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Verma]

My Lords, my noble friend is right: we want to see the pandemic eliminated by 2030. We know that we are a long way from achieving that but we have to do so. When I answered an earlier question, I alluded to the need to focus very much on low-income, high-burden countries that are unable to self-finance. We have to make treatment accessible to the very people who need it and who do not always know the best route to it. We are working with our partners globally, through all the various institutions, to try to eliminate HIV infections by 2030.

[Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Lab)]

My Lords, turning to the Answer to the Question from my noble friend, my understanding is that public health funding is being cut. Therefore, can the Minister explain how the Government will ensure that local authorities meet the duties that she spelled out?

[Baroness Verma]

My Lords, I think I made it clear in my earlier response that local authorities have a mandatory duty to ensure that those services are accessible.