Ireland is to host a major conference on HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia next February.
The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, today announced preparations were well advanced for the conference, which the Irish EU Presidency will convene in
Dublin in February 2004.
On the 23rd to 24th, Ministers from across the European and Central Asian region will meet in Dublin to discuss the fight against the epidemic in Europe and Central Asia.
Key political figures from the region in the fight against HIV/AIDS - such as the President of Portugal, Dr. Jorge Sampaio, and the Prime Minister of Romania, Mr Adrian Nastase, will deliver addresses. European and Irish NGOs and people living with HIV/AIDS will also contribute to the conference.
This will be the first such regional meeting on HIV/AIDS ever held by the 55 countries involved. The meeting is being organised by Development Cooperation Ireland with the involvement of the Department of Health and Children.