Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Kirby and Stephen O'Brien

Wednesday 8th June 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr O'Brien]

The hon. Gentleman is completely correct that one of the most successful programmes in Lesotho has been the ALAFA programme, which has enabled those 40,000 factory workers to obtain vital services to help with HIV/AIDS. We have just announced that we will continue that programme up to the point when we can secure long-term funding through either the EU or other donor agencies.

[Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con)]

Can the Minister confirm that the prevention of HIV is as essential as the treatment of it?

[Mr O'Brien]

My hon. Friend is entirely right to bring to the House’s notice, and to emphasise, that prevention is as important as the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Indeed, that will be one of the major thrusts of what I say in New York tomorrow at the UN meeting on AIDS. In addition to prevention and treatment, however, we want to ensure that care and support, which has often been the neglected area of HIV campaigning, is addressed too.

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[Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con)]

T3. Can the Minister assure us that the UK Government will maintain their global leadership role in the response to HIV and AIDS, in both policy and funding?

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for International Development (Mr Stephen O'Brien)]

I am pleased to confirm that the commitment of the UK Government, who are the second largest contributor globally to the effort against HIV and AIDS, is set to continue. The matter will be central to the discussions that I have in New York tomorrow at the United Nations meeting.