1st December is World AIDS Day, and in advance of this, the Scottish Parliament is hosting a debate on the significance of the day. The debate will take place on Thursday 27th November, starting just after 17.00, and you can watch the debate live on this site. The motion for debate is being introduced by Des McNulty, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie. Des and other MSP's want to hear your views on what the Scottish Parliament can do to assist ongoing campaigns to stop the spread of AIDS

and the HIV virus, and how best to combat the effects, here in Scotland and globally. Our discussion forum is open to all, and MSP's will be reading and responding to you postings. You can help us by forwarding details of this discussion forum and the parliamentary debate to others.

Des McNulty’s Motion 

World AIDS Day — That the Parliament acknowledges the importance of World AIDS Day, 1 December 2003, both for Scotland and for all those nations and peoples most affected by the spread of HIV/AIDS; notes the need to combat HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination which is highlighted by this year’s theme, "Do you have time?"; further notes that there are now over 42 million people living with HIV/AIDS, including 50,000 people in the UK and nearly 4,000 people in Scotland; recognises that women account for half of those infected with HIV/AIDS and there are more

Des McNulty MSP

than 13.2 million AIDS orphans; notes the importance of practical assistance for the poorer countries devastated by HIV/AIDS; believes that pharmaceutical companies and governments should take the steps necessary to allow access to appropriate antiviral treatments to all those who need them; congratulates and applauds all of the agencies that work with those living with HIV/AIDS in Scotland, the UK and worldwide, and encourages each MSP to raise awareness about the disease and work towards its global eradication.

Supported by: Sarah Boyack, Dr Sylvia Jackson, Roseanna Cunningham, Janis Hughes, Bill Butler, Margaret Jamieson, Mr Stewart Maxwell, Pauline McNeill, Alex Neil, Elaine Smith, Carolyn Leckie, Christine May, Scott Barrie, Cathie Craigie, Karen Whitefield, Karen Gillon, Murray Tosh, Susan Deacon, Jackie Baillie, Dr Elaine Murray, Mr Kenneth Macintosh, Marlyn Glen, Margaret Smith, Cathy Peattie, Robin Harper, Chris Ballance, Patrick Harvie, Dr Jean Turner, Ms Sandra White, Frances Curran, Helen Eadie, Donald Gorrie, Tommy Sheridan, Linda Fabiani, Eleanor Scott* Marilyn Livingstone, Rob Gibson, Mr Richard Baker, Mike Pringle, Mr Adam Ingram Shiona Baird, Irene Oldfather, Iain Smith, Mark Ballard, Michael McMahon.
( List correct on 19th November 2003)


Useful Links

World AIDS Day

National Heath, Scotland - pages on HIV/Sexual Health

The Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health - pages
on HIV/AIDS:

HIV Scotland

UNAIDS

AIDS Education Global Information System (AEGiS)

The Scottish Parliament is not responsible for the content of external web sites