The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged a determined fight against HIV and the related stigma in Europe, preceding an international conference on AIDS which will begin in Munich (Germany) on Monday.
New infections and deaths are rising in Europe, but the impact varies dramatically across different regions, Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO's Regional Director for Europe, told agency DPA. "The situation in the European region greatly varies," the Regional Director noted.
Kluge mentioned that some nations have nearly completely stopped the transmission of HIV and can almost announce the end of AIDS. Conversely, mortality rates in some countries still remain unacceptably high.
Late diagnoses of HIV continue to be a problem, Kluge stressed. He added that urgent action is needed to combat the sweeping stigma affecting the impacted individuals, which is slowing progress.
He voiced hope that the impending World AIDS conference in Munich will reinstate the issue as a primary concern. "The conference is taking place at a time when the topic of HIV/AIDS appears to have receded from concerns in many parts of the world."
Highlighting a "fatigue towards AIDS" amid the range of current health challenges, Kluge underscored that we should not become complacent in combating HIV and AIDS.
Covering about 50 nations, the European region of the WHO includes many countries situated to the east of the EU. About three million people are living with HIV in this area, out of an estimated total of 39 million worldwide, according to Kluge.
