Health Aids and Population (HAP)

The EC response to the challenges
of the International Conference on
Population and Development
(ICPD)
The European Community has become a
major partner in resourcing the world's
response to population, sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS challenges.
Since 1994, over 780 million Euro have
been committed to support work in developing countries in line with the objectives
set out in the ICPD's Programme of Action.
Funding has grown steadily reaching over
200 million Euro in 1998. As well as
increasing the amount of support, the
European Community has also broadened
it to encompass a wider range of.sexual
and reproductive health and rights interventions. While much has been achieved
over the last five years, it is also clear that
there is still much more that needs to be
done:--For this reason, the Community will
continue to provide support with particular
emphasis on five key areas:
" maintaining and increasing the gains
already made in providing access to sexual
and reproductive health services
" ensuring that women have the opportunity of safe pregnancy and childbirth
promoting the sexual and reproductive
health of young people
limiting the spread of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases and caring for
those who live with the virus
tackling problems of gender-based violence and sexual abuse

While policy was drawn up and work began on implementing HIV/AIDS
projects from 1987 onwards, a more comprehensive programme of
health support was initiated in 1991. In 1994 the EU Council approved
specific policy guidelines for Health, AIDS and Population which set
out the broad thrust of the current health situation in the developing
countries and proposed frameworks for action. In parallel, wide-ranging guidelines for poverty alleviation and social development have
been formally adopted and have become cornerstones of current EC
development policy. More recent developments in HAP policy have
emphasised the need for increased investments to tackle major communicable diseases, HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis.
The EC HIV/AIDS Programme in Developing Countries
The EC HIV/AIDS programme in developing countries has developed
a set of policy principles and strategies to support a variety of relevant
activities. These include: multisectoral approaches; HIVIAIDS and life
skills education for young people; the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases; information campaigns; safe blood and
condom supplies and comprehensive care for people living with
HIV/AIDS. From its beginnings, up to 1999, a total of around 300 million Euro has been provided through this programme.
Since 1998 the programme has also aimed to emphasise:
* monitoring and surveillance of the epidemic and the risks related to
it.

EC Commitments to Health, HIV/AIDS and Population in
1998- By Region

Asia

Africa,
Caribbean,
Pacific ()! jjt2. J!1

Latin America
Mediterranean
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EC Commitments to ICPD Activities

* early interventions targeted at specific populations.

150
100
50

* information and prevention measures aimed at those most vulnerable to acquiring and transmitting the virus.
* providing affordable community-based care for the poorest and
neediest people affected by AIDS
* investment in international public goods, including microbicides and
vaccines