CONCLUSIONS OF THE COUNCIL AND OF THE MINISTERS FOR HEALTH, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL of 3 December 1990 on AIDS (90/C 329/07)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THE MINISTERS FOR HEALTH, MEETING WITHIN THE COUNCIL, Having considered the epidemiological development and the medical and social consequences of the spread of HIV infection in Europe, Having considered in particular the growing link between drug addiction, infection from HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and the development of HIV-related diseases in many of the European countries, Having regard to the conclusions of the Council and the Ministers for Health, meeting within the Council, on 16 May 1989 regarding the prevention of AIDS in parenteral drug users (1), in particular the section on pregnant women drug users, and to the increase in the number of children born sero-positive, Having regard to the intermediate report and the guidelines for a European plan to combat drugs approved by the European Council in Dublin on 25 and 26 June 1990 and to the draft European plan to combat drugs to be submitted by the European Committee for the fight against drugs (Celad) to the next European Council on 13 and 14 December 1990, and in particular the paragraph on drug addiction and AIDS, INVITE THE MEMBER STATES: 1. to promote, in drug addiction services and reception centres, access to early intervention and, where appropriate to treatment for sero-positive drug addicts and for those with clinical signs of HIV infection; 2.to foster within these structures, respecting confidentiality, a psychological and social climate which is sensitive to the needs of the individuals concerned, INVITE THE COMMISSION: 1. to step up exchanges of information, experience and experts: (a) on medical and social assistance to sero-positive pregnant women and newborn babies; (b)on the organization of home care for people suffering from HIV/AIDS and other forms of health care for HIV-infected persons; (c)for assessing the measures implemented in the Member States to supply safer injecting materials; this assessment with also cover new types of disposable syringes and needles; 2.to inform the Council of the results of the exchange of experience referred to in point 1 and to submit an appropriate assessment and, if necessary, proposals for action; In addition, repeat the call made to the Member States in the conclusions of the Council and the Ministers for Health, meeting within the Council, on 17 May 1990 to continue with active policies to avoid any discrimination against sero-positive persons and people suffering from HIV/AIDS and to encourage the social acceptance of such persons; Finally invite the Member States to extend the commitment to non-discrimination and social acceptance to those living with sero-positive persons and people suffering from HIV/AIDS or to those who have contact with such persons. (1) OJ No C 185, 22. 7. 1989, p. 3.