18 October 2013 - Brussels - On the initiative of Professor Michel Kazatchkine, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), representatives from six countries in the region gathered today to discuss some of the challenges that EECA countries face as they confront the HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB epidemics.
They were joined by representatives from the WHO European Regional Office, UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund and European Union Agencies.
The meeting aimed to forge a common front against the epidemics, which pose a growing threat in the region. Delegates shared examples of best practices and discussed the opportunities for action that lie ahead.
"While I am confident in what the people from this region can achieve, I am also concerned about the epidemics' current trends," said Professor Kazatchkine. "What we need now is a strong commitment at the political level to address this medical and social urgency. It is essential to keep a continuous dialogue on the HIV/AIDS and TB epidemics with governments in the region".
The Stop TB Partnership is collaborating with the Special Envoy and partners on identifying the best opportunities for addressing TB and HIV/AIDS in the region.