Stunell meets Stop AIDS campaigners for World AIDS Day

6.26.34pm GMT Thu 1st Dec 2005

Andrew with Stop AIDS campaigners on World AIDS Day

As part of the World AIDS Day events today, local MP Andrew Stunell met Stop AIDS campaigners to support their plea for the Government to deliver on G8 promises that all HIV/AIDS sufferers should have full access to life saving treatments by 2010.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"The AIDS pandemic has claimed over 3 million lives this year, devastating families and communities. It's an enormous problem across the world, including in our own country where the number of HIV positive people rose by 5,000 last year.

"Every one of the 40 million men, women and children living with the virus around the world deserves access to treatments to lengthen and improve their quality of life and to be treated with respect.

"Thanks to the tireless campaigning of people across the country, including many local Stockport activists, the G8 promised to get HIV treatment to everyone who needs it by 2010. I'm really proud of the role supporters in our area played in getting this change."

Mr Stunell met campaigners on an old route master bus decorated with photos of the eyes of hundreds of campaigners who are watching politicians carefully and believe that more needs to be done. ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. A photograph of Andrew Stunell MP with World Aids Day campaigners is available from Jane Allen, 0207 2195223.

2. The Stop AIDS Campaign brings together around 80 national and international NGO's working on HIV & AIDS. Members include the National AIDS Trust, Terence Higgins Trust, Action Aid, Oxfam, Christian Aid, UNICEF and smaller locally based organisations.