Europe and Central Asia are at a "critical point" in tackling the growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and President of Ireland Mrs Mary Robinson has said.
She was giving an opening address at the second day of the Breaking the Barriers -Partnership to fight HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia conference on HIV/AIDS at Dublin Castle.
"We are at a critical point along the trajectory of HIV/AIDS in Europe and Central Asia," Mrs Robinson said.
"If we are to avoid the painful path that many other countries have stumbled down, prevention must become our guide. We have already missed many opportunities to contain HIV/AIDS in the region and must now contend with what is a growing epidemic, particularly among young people and marginalized populations."
Regional bodies, governments and civil society groups must take responsibility and take action for reducing and reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS, she added.
Yesterday, delegates at the Conference heard that between 1.2 and 1.8 million people are now living with the HIV/AIDS in the East, where 230,000 people became newly infected in 2003 alone.
The delegates include senior government ministers from 55 countries.
HIV/AIDS has become a worldwide epidemic since it was first recognised just 20 years ago. Some 40 milliion people worldwide are living with HIV/AIDS, which is set to become the leading cause of death from infectious disease in the 21st century. Some 2.1 million of those with the condition live in Europe and Central Asia.
The conference organisers say HIV/AIDS continues to be "the biggest single obstacle to reducing poverty" and attaining development goals.
The two-day conference was organised by Development Cooperation Ireland and the Department of Health and Children in cooperation with UNAIDS, UNICEF and the World Health Organisation. It is one of the major events marking Ireland's six-month presidency of the European Union.