HIV/AIDS tops Health Council’s agenda[fr][de] 

The Health Council on 6 December will hold a public debate, based on a Commission working paper, for a co-ordinated approach to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the EU and its neighbourhood. Health ministers will determine which steps are necessary to step up co-operation between EU countries, membership candidates, neighbouring countries and international organisations. They will also consider how to make better use of EU financing instruments to promote research and development of effective prevention and cure. 

The Council will also hear a presentation by the Commission on a new proposal aiming to make medicines designed for the specific needs of children available in the EU. Medicines intended for children would be submitted to research and be specifically authorised for this type of use. The regulation would also improve information on the use of medicines for children. 

Health ministers will also review progress made on a new regulation, proposed in July 2003, aiming to do away with misleading labels on food packages and ensure that claims made on foods are meaningful to the consumer.