A/HRC/7/30 page 7 10. Cuba recognizes the importance of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health as a fundamental human right. The Government ensures that access to treatment for HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis is universal. Cuba has an HIV prevalence rate of 0.09 per cent (among the lowest in the Americas) and currently 7,204 people are living with HIV. With extensive experience in the production of generic medicines, Cuba currently produces six antiretroviral medicines. This enables the provision of free treatment to 2,929 people including for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. In 2007, Cuba celebrated the fortieth anniversary of the eradication of malaria and in 2006 it succeeded in reducing the tuberculosis prevalence rate to 6.4 per 100,000, which is closer to WHO’s indicator of 5 per 100,000 for claiming that an illness has been eliminated as a health problem. 11. In relation to access to medication for tuberculosis, the Government of El Salvador has a policy of universal, free-of-charge, non-discriminatory distribution of medication through the national health system. A national strategy on antiretroviral therapy was developed in 2001 and benefits 4,200 people (an increase from an initial 73 patients). HIV/AIDS related services have also been decentralized to 16 health centres. Accessibility to free voluntary testing facilities and mobile clinics in rural areas has improved, reducing mortality rates and allowing for the identification of new cases of HIV. 12. The Government of Germany underscored the importance of international cooperation in ensuring universal access to health care, particularly to fight pandemics such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The 2001 General Assembly Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS was highlighted, with emphasis placed on the need to reduce the cost of treatment. Access to effective medicines to treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria is a top priority for Germany and the Government has devoted specific attention to this through: its support in WTO negotiations for fair regulations in trade law for facilitating access to life-saving medications; and its active involvement in WHO’s Intergovernmental Working Group on Public Health, Innovation and Intellectual Property, where it has advocated for the creation of incentives for research and innovation for neglected diseases such as malaria and supported the development of vaccines and other medicines. Germany also participates in the European and Development Countries Clinical Trials Partnerships (EDCTP) and the European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network (ECRIN) to promote the development of new alternative treatments for fighting AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in developing countries. During its European Union (EU) Presidency, Germany launched an AIDS medication initiative for EU member States and pharmaceutical companies to negotiate country-specific prices for treatment in the EU. The Government is currently looking into the possibility of expanding this initiative to countries outside the EU. In addition, Germany provides funding for projects in Eastern Europe to improve access to preventive care, treatment and health care. 13. Although Greece is not a high-risk country for malaria, anti-malaria drugs and testing facilities are readily available free of charge. The Government has a national vaccination programme to limit and control the spread of tuberculosis and ensures sufficient supplies of tuberculin and the BCG vaccine. Tuberculosis tests, treatment and care are provided free of charge. The cost of HIV/AIDS medicines is usually covered by a patient’s health insurance. Specific measures to facilitate access to antiretroviral treatment have been taken for irregular migrants or migrants without health insurance.