MP Bruce backs floral tribute to mark World Aids Day

12.01.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 1st Dec 2007

Malcolm Bruce, the MP for Gordon has marked this year's World AIDS Day on the 1st December by joining a coalition of charities in Parliament Square to call on the Government to strengthen its efforts to tackle HIV and AIDS.

Malcolm Bruce met charity representatives from the Stop AIDS Campaign - a coalition of over 80 UK-based NGOs - around a giant AIDS ribbon made of 6000 red carnations. Each flower representing one person who dies of AIDS-related illnesses every single day.

Mr Bruce agreed to support the Stop AIDS Campaign which calls on the Government to keep their promises on HIV and AIDS as it launches a new three-year Strategy to tackle AIDS in early 2008. He promised to continue to raise the issue with the Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander MP, through his work on the International Development Committee, and by supporting a parliamentary motion in the House of Commons.

Malcolm joined the Stop AIDS Campaign calling on the Government to its strengthen efforts to tackle HIV and AIDS

Mr Bruce who is the Chair of the influential International Development Select Committee said:

"On World AIDS Day, we must use this chance to highlight the problems faced by those suffering from HIV and AIDS at home and abroad. In Scotland, we remember those who are no longer with us as well as over 5000 people who are currently diagnosed HIV-positive.

"In developing countries however, where there is often stigma to overcome, sometimes even at national government level, the devastating impact of AIDS cannot be underestimated.

"AIDS is the leading cause of death in Africa and requires ongoing action and commitment from our own Government . The gains that have been made in providing more treatment and prevention services need to be weighed against the target of achieving Universal Access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services by 2010 which is badly behind schedule.

"With just 3 years remaining, over 70% of people do not have access to the HIV drugs they need to stay alive, while over 80% have no access to basic prevention services. As a result almost 6000 people die every day from AIDS-related illnesses, and AIDS is the leading cause of death in Africa."

Later in the week, the Committee will be taking evidence from experts to investigate the relationship between HIV/AIDS and Maternal Health (5 December 2007) as part of the Committee's annual commitment to highlight the UK's approach to tackling the global HIV/AIDS pandemic.

ENDS