World AIDS Day: 1 December 2010
News
30/11/2010 - The European Medicines Agency supports World AIDS Day, which is taking place on Wednesday 1 December 2010.
World AIDS Day is held each year on 1 December and is dedicated to raising awareness of AIDS and HIV infection across the world. In 2010, the theme of the day is 'universal access and human rights'.
The Agency plays a key role in the authorisation of medicines to treat HIV infection and AIDS. In the European Union (EU), all anti-HIV medicines must be authorised centrally at a European level, rather than in each Member State separately.
To date, 30 anti-HIV medicines have been authorised in the EU on the recommendation of the Agency. The Agency has also recommended the authorisation of medicines used to treat infections and cancers in patients with AIDS.
The Agency has given opinions on three anti-HIV medicines for use exclusively in markets outside the EU. These opinions are given in co-operation with the World Health Organization (WHO) for diseases of major public health interest.
The Agency works closely with organisations representing patients with HIV and AIDS through the European AIDS Treatment Group, a patient-led group advocating for HIV/AIDS treatment and good quality of life. It also interacts with organisations representing healthcare professionals in the field of HIV and AIDS.