The European Commission last week adopted a new action programme aimed at reinforcing EU support for third countries in combating aids, malaria and tuberculosis. In this way the EU Executive proposes some specific measures to stem the advance of these diseases that are causing the death of over six million people each year in the developing countries. The projects that Brussels intends to fund include the free distribution of mosquito nets and contraceptive methods, free access to medical services of prevention and consultation for aids, the “boosting of capacities” in terms of human resources, research in the sector of reproductive hygiene and greater attention to children at school. The text of the programme, drawn up in collaboration with the World Health Organization, can be downloaded from the website http://europa.en.int/comm/development/body/Home/human_social/pol_health3_en.htm
