Public health: prevention of AIDS and other communicable diseases, Community action programme 1996-2000

In adopting the recommendation for second reading by Mr Noδl MAMERE (ARE, F) with a view to the adoption of a programme of Community action on the prevention of AIDS, the European Parliament regretted the Council's overly restrictive interpretation of Article 129 of the Treaty on European Union (actions in the field of public health) in its common position along with the emphasis placed on intergovernmental cooperation. The Council's common position was very general and incorporated only the least restrictive and least imaginative aspects of Parliament's position at first reading. As a result, Parliament once again tabled a number of amendments that had not been taken over by the Council: - as regards actions to be implemented, the EP recommended the unrestricted sale of condoms and promotion of information campaigns on the utilisation and proper use of condoms, the distribution of single-use sterile syringes, the development of substitution treatment programmes, the screening of blood products, the provision of information to young people and children about the transmission of AIDS, the adoption of good practices to combat discrimination and support for measures designed to achieve the integration of HIV-positive children; - as regards cooperation, it was important to encourage cooperation with Member States, particularly by supporting the activities of non-governmental organisations and organisations for people affected by HIV, and to encourage cooperation with third countries and international organisations competent in this field. At the same time, Parliament removed the overly intergovernmental aspects introduced by the Commission in its common position, particularly with regard to the implementation of actions. It also requested that it be regularly informed of the actions implemented under the programme. �