Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, used a Westminster Hall debate to speak out for improved access to HIV treatments in Low and Middle Income Nations.
DURING a parliamentary debate on the topic, Mr Kirby, spoke out for improved access to HIV treatments in Low and Middle Income Nations.
He explained that as the majority of people living with HIV moves from low to medium income countries, the ease of access to medication is changing. Ultimately this means, there needs to be a different approach to responding to AIDS.
Just as the cost for treating HIV/AIDS is increasing, foreign Governments and donors have withdrawn funding from some middle income countries.
Mr Kirby argued that there needs to be a new approach to funding treatment in poorer countries, focusing not on the wealth of the country, but the extent of the problem.
He also highlighted how crucial it is that HIV prevention remains firmly on the political agenda so that it is not overlooked in the future, as well as the importance of combatting the social factors linked to HIV transmission, such as stigma and discrimination, and that we must break down social barriers preventing people from accessing HIV testing and prevention services.
Mr Kirby said: “I joined the all-party group on HIV and AIDS nearly five years ago, and I am proud to now serve as the vice chair. A common misconception is that HIV is a thing of the past, and I am working hard to make sure that this is not the feeling held within Westminster. We need to take a new approach to combating HIV throughout the world, and I was delighted to speak out on this very important matter.”
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