The Regional Committee,
Having considered the Annual Report on AIDS, including sexually transmitted diseases;*
Recalling resolutions WPR/RC41.R7 and WHA45.35 concerning integrated action to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases;
Noting with concern the unabated spread of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases in the Region;
Recognizing the increasing transmission of HIV through heterosexual activity and injecting drug use;
Mindful that HIV infection can also be spread from an infected woman to her unborn or newborn child;
Emphasizing the need to develop and implement health policies which protect the health status of all countries and communities while respecting the rights of persons with HIV infection and AIDS;
- URGES Member States:
- (1) to give high priority to promoting safer sexual behaviour and further encouraging the use of condoms;
- (2) to provide effective health information and education to prevent the spread of HIV infection and AIDS and avoid discrimination and the stigmatization of persons infected;
- (3) to take action to prevent HIV infection through the protection of women's health and the improvement of their education and status;
- (4) to provide a supportive social environment for the prevention of HIV infection and AIDS;
- (5) to take all measures necessary to provide adequate health care for AIDS patients and persons infected with HIV;
- REQUESTS the Regional Director:
- (1) to cooperate with Member States in their efforts to prevent and control the spread of HIV infection, AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases;
- (2) to coordinate the mobilization of external resources to supplement those allocated by Member States to the prevention and control of HIV infection, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases;
- (3) to continue to report annually to the Regional Committee on the regional situation of HIV infection, and other sexually transmitted diseases.