Issue 7 , November 2007

In this edition



Welcome


HIV/AIDS Challenges

HIV/AIDS Challenges


Henrique Barros, Portuguese AIDS Coordinator



HIV/AIDS is a major social challenge of our time; it is a global threat to development, security and international balance.

A few decades ago it would be difficult to picture the re-emergence of diseases such as tuberculosis. And no one could imagine that a new infectious disease would be responsible for the death of almost 35 million people.

Overall, around 760 000 people in Western and Central Europe live with HIV, of whom 31 000 acquired HIV this year. 12 000 people died of AIDS related illnesses in 2007. Such data compels governments across Europe to coordinate efforts to face the epidemic.

AIDS is a public heath condition we have learned to live with. With the availability of antiretroviral therapy, a death sentence has become a chronic disease, but this represents new challenges for society in Europe, and particularly for the health sector. We cannot forget the social burden of HIV/AIDS, which affects the most vulnerable populations, and it is essential that civil society participates in the development of policies and programmes, to ensure adequate efforts in prevention and optimisation of healthcare and to ban discrimination.

That is why it remains a key issue to translate principles in to European actions.

Read more on this focus



News from the EU


Public Health Call for proposals 2007: 63 projects approved

On 8 November 2007 the European Commission approved Community co-financing for 63 projects under the Call for Proposals 2007

Conference report: Aspher - Strengthening Public Health Services in Europe


Adoption of a second programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-13)



All News



Reporting from across Europe


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Portugal

Knojo! - learning and having fun with educational entertainment on health

The Knojo! exhibit reveals the hidden secrets of the human body. A mixture of education and entertainment, it is full of hands-on experiments to help to kids and adults better understand the functioning of their own bodies.

Watch the video "Knojo"


Italy

Naples clamps down on smoking

Naples has imposed a ban on outdoor smoking in public places in the presence of children and pregnant women. Anyone flouting the new rule will face a fine of up to €500 (€27.50 minimum).

Health Ministry lauches new information campaign on AIDS

The goal is to raise public awareness of prevention. The campaign will focus on condom use as the main defence against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Germany

Clear, centralised data on medicines



EU Press Releases




All Press releases



Forthcoming Events


Global best practices in implementing chronic care programmes (3-4 December 2007)

This event will convene senior executives from key organisations advancing chronic care in Europe including providers, payers, suppliers, customers, policy-makers and health officials.

Nanotechnologies: A Critical Area in Occupational Safety and Health (3-5 December 2007)

The Conference will discuss global safety issues surrounding nanoparticles and nanotechnologies, in occupational safety and health in particular; and will provide an insight into future actions for assuring the safety.

Lowe Syndrome Second International Symposium (7 December 2007 )

The day will bring together the various UK research groups funded by the Lowe Syndrome Trust, the Lowe Syndrome Scientific Advisory Board and other national and international medical professionals and scientists involved in Lowe syndrome.

Symposium of the Mental Health Economics European Network, Phase II (13 December 2007)

This symposium will present findings and analysis from Phase II of the Mental Health Economics European Network. Speakers will include members from the Network on current research findings.


All Events



New Publications


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Report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction on the key issues on drugs in Europe

A new report from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (EARSS) shows that across the EU, microbes are becoming increasingly resistant to commonly used antibiotics, and even some of the “last resort” drugs are losing their effectiveness.


What's New on Health-EU

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Evaluation of the Public Health web site


Focus

World AIDS Day (1 December 2007)


Activities at EU level

Health-EU - HIV/AIDS


News

World AIDS Day – As important as ever to remain vigilant and increase awareness, the Commission notes


Video clip on the prevention of HIV transmission


Take the Lead : Get Involved World AIDS Day 2007

The World AIDS Campaign encourages everyone to show leadership – as an individual, in families, communities or in places of work.


Unaids 2007 report on the aids epidemic

The 2007 edition provides the most recent estimates of the AIDS epidemic in the world and explores new findings and trends in the epidemic’s evolution.



Other interesting links

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Eurobarometer on AIDS Prevention


EATG - European AIDS Treatment Group

The European AIDS Treatment Group is a group of treatment activists from 31 European countries, which aims to reflect the diversity of people living with HIV and their advocates.


AIDS Action Europe

Pan-European partnership of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) aiming to create a more effective response to the HIV and AIDS epidemics in Europe and its neighbours.


UNAIDS - Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS

UNAIDS promotes action on HIV, provides strategic information and technical support, monitors and evaluates the disease, promotes civil society engagement and mobilises resources to fight HIV


WHO Europe - HIV infections

WHO measures to ease the burden of HIV infections in Europe


EU National AIDS Coordinators Meeting (12-13 October 2007)

This meeting on AIDS under the Portugese EU Council Presidency aims at 'Translating principles into action' in the WHO European Region and EU Neighbouring Countries.


Partnership and Responsibility – Together Against HIV/AIDS (12-13 March 2007)

Ministerial Conference in the framework of the German Presidency where the representatives of EU Member States, neighbouring countries and international partners agreed on a joint declaration in their fight against HIV/AIDS ("Bremen Declaration").





Health-EU. The Public Health Portal of the European Union

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