Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/1999-10-05-Speech-2-066"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.19991005.4.2-066"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:translated text |
"Madam President, when the first grave reports about AIDS first inundated Europe and the United States at the beginning of the eighties, some very grave predictions were made as to the extent and the social implications of this disease. Now, twenty years on, AIDS is reasonably under control in Europe and the United States, although the situation still gives a great deal of cause for concern in certain areas and amongst certain groups. In Africa, however, all our worst fears as regards the disease have been realised and exceeded.
Although the situation varies from country to country, there are, in fact, a number of countries in which 20-30% of the active population is infected. These are mainly young adults, therefore people who are active in economic terms but who also often have family responsibilities; a generation of people who in most countries form the backbone of society. When such a group contains so many people suffering long-term illness and who are seriously weakened, and there is such a high number of deaths, then these countries suffer disastrous consequences. At the grass roots level of the family, we see the large scale on which families are without breadwinners and children without people to bring them up, whilst at local and regional level the social, health and educational problems are really getting out of hand.
Madam President, the problems experienced by the older generations, who often have to be cared for by these groups, are on the increase. We can see how, at the national level, the economy and foundations of society are weakening. That is what we have seen happening in Africa over the last twenty years. As a result, everything that has been built up in terms of aid and progress these last 25 years is at risk of being demolished. The question is, how can we help the African countries to ward off this fate? I believe it is Europe’s duty to share our knowledge and experience of this disease and to give financial aid to those African countries that want to participate in the process themselves, with a view to supporting them in their fight against AIDS and the consequences of AIDS.
African countries really got to grips with the situation at the eleventh conference in Lusaka. I want to express how much respect I have for the experts and relief workers, including those from the African regions, who made their contribution with such frankness and expertise. What needs to be done now in order to tackle the disease in Africa? What can we do to help? My group considers the following points to be essential. In each African country, an assessment must be made of the scale of this disease and of the proportions it threatens to assume. All efforts must be directed at achieving maximum openness and preventive measures. As far as openness is concerned, a lot still has to be asked of African leaders in terms of breaking through traditional African taboos, particularly with regard to speaking out about the dangers of unprotected sex. This is not just about traditional African taboos. There are certain churches, European ones too, that, to my mind, with all due respect for their teachings, ought to warn against unprotected sex, and that includes advocating the use of condoms. Prevention will only be possible if there is honesty and openness. Prevention is vitally important and must be encouraged in all sections of the African population, and particularly amongst young people.
People must grasp the idea that having unprotected sex puts your life at risk, all the more so in present-day Africa. This is not about preaching at people but it is about becoming fully aware of the dangers.
Madam President, when it comes to prevention, it is also important, of course, to avoid a situation in which pregnant women with AIDS pass this disease on to their unborn children. There are drugs for this and they must be made available. Lastly, Madam President, there is the help we need to give the children who have been left orphaned. They must be helped to go about their lives, to pursue an education and to make a fresh start. We believe these to be the most important points that need to be addressed. That is why it is so difficult to comprehend why the European Commission has reduced the original budget for the AIDS assistance programmes, specifically with regard to third countries. I was pleased to hear the Commissioner say that additional resources are to be made available again. That is a good thing. But I hope that this will also be taken account of in the Budget as soon as possible.
Do more and do it better. That was the theme of the Lusaka conference. We call upon the Commission to boost its programmes for Africa with this theme in mind. The disease is being tackled successfully in Europe and the United States. Let us help Africa to avert the disaster that threatens it. My group wants us to become involved here, even if there are budgetary consequences. The Africans are our neighbours and we must not abandon them."@en1
|
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples