Ukrainian delegation participates in the work of UNAIDS PCB for the first time
Consolidation of efforts at the international
level to combat HIV/AIDS epidemic is
a prerequisite for their success. The
Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine Olexandr Sych
said this in Geneva at the opening of the
thirty-fourth session of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB).
Olexandr Sych thanked the international
community for a proper assessment of the achievements of
our country in combating HIV/AIDS, due to which Ukraine has
been for the first time elected to the Programme Coordinating Board
for 2014-2016 years as a
full member. "We will continue to
promote the expansion of access to antiretroviral
therapy for HIV-infected patients, we will continue prevention
programs for risk groups based on the principles of evidence-based
medicine as well as to intensify cooperation with
NGOs in this field,"
underlined Olexandr Sych.
The Coordination Board also discussed issues as
to development of consolidated approaches to
solving modern problems of HIV/AIDS, as well as setting
priorities focused on promoting innovative
development of public health
services in general. "Enhanced cooperation
with UNAIDS will optimize the Ukraine’s participation
in the international fight against HIV/AIDS and
to attract resources of the international
community in order to implement
a national strategy designed to overcome this dangerous
disease," emphasized Olexandr Sych.
The Vice Prime Minister informed
that with the support of UNAIDS and the World Bank Ukraine will
launch analysis of investment required for
an effective response to HIV and tuberculosis. He stressed
that Ukraine is ready not only to
engage in the work of the Coordinating Board,
but also to participate in
the formation of joint decisions with states,
which are not members of the Board. "We are ready
together with Poland to coordinate the position of the countries of Eastern
Europe and Central Asia and to find a common vision", assured the Head of
the Ukrainian governmental delegation.