HIV (Developing Countries) — [Hugh Bayley in the Chair]

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 2:30 pm on 19 December 2012.

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Photo of Stephen Doughty Stephen Doughty Labour, Cardiff South and Penarth 2:30, 19 December 2012

I thank the hon. Lady for securing this important debate. I must apologise to her and to you, Mr Bayley, because I must leave the debate early to attend the Energy Bill debate in the main Chamber, but I wanted to be here today to listen to the comments being made. The hon. Lady has made important points about children, access to medicines and the pharmaceutical industry. She will be aware that 72% of children living with HIV still lack access to the ARVs that they need. Does she agree that we need to see a greater commitment to treatment, care and support for those children and simpler drug formulations that are more suitable for younger people suffering from HIV? Does she recognise, like me, that without treatment 30% of children living with HIV will die before their first birthday and 50% before they reach the age of two?