THE latest figures on HIV/Aids infections were the subject of discussion when Walthamstow MP Neil Gerrard met Mary Robinson, the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights, last week.
During a visit to London, Ms Robinson attended a meeting at the House of Commons, jointly sponsored by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Aids, which Mr Gerrard chairs, and the National Aids Trust.
He said: "The latest figures show that there are now 40 million people worldwide infected with HIV.
"In the last year alone, there were five million new infections, and three million people died of Aids-related illnesses.
"But Aids is much more than a health problem. There is a lot of evidence that people who become infected suffer stigma and discrimination. They can be sacked from their jobs, become isolated, and be regarded as virtual outcasts from society.
"Dealing with HIV means addressing the human rights problems as well as the medical issues.
"I was delighted that Mary Robinson made it clear that she intends to use her position as Human Rights Commissioner at the UN to argue worldwide for the human rights of people infected with this virus."
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