Hiv/Aids

The members of the Fire Brigades Union's Gay and Lesbian section would like to take this opportunity to thank the Union for its continued support of HIV/AIDS issues and campaigns over recent years. Despite this, we note that many Union members remain ignorant of the consequences of what being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS means, not only to individuals, but to entire countries. At present we have a pandemic spreading throughout the African continent, with millions of people suffering each year. Without urgent action this pandemic will continue to worsen and spread worldwide. Conference calls on the Executive Council, together with all TUC affiliates to demand that the Government increase funding to countries at greatest risk so they are able to combat the spread of this virus/disease and support the campaign to allow the use of locally manufactured, low cost, generic alternatives to the currently available most effective patented medicines, therefore, providing the best levels of medication available to those suffering, whilst raising awareness, both internally and externally of the FBU; nationally and internationally through education and information to prevent the continued ignorance that surrounds HIV/AIDS.