Kay Carberry
World AIDS Day is a special occasion for us in the TUC and in the global trade union movement, and this afternoon I will be speaking at the TUC event to mark the day – one of a series of trade union events all over the world. Around the world, unions are mobilising support for the implementation of the 2010 ILO Recommendation on HIV/AIDS and the World of Work, and drawing attention to the role that ordinary workers and their unions can play. Yet austerity is undermining the gains that we are making. We need to challenge that, reveal the impact of the cuts, and demonstrate that if we will the resources, we can win the fight.
Some 65,000 people had access to treatment and care for HIV in 2009 in the UK. About 28,000 or 43% were based in London. How are they going to be affected by the squeeze on spending? Will they be still entitled to the same amount and quality of care and support? What will happen to the voluntary sector that provides services for so many? Will there be sufficient funds to expand testing, as recommended by the Lords Select Committee? These are pertinent questions that need answers.
