A/HRC/7/30 page 8 14. The Government of Mexico recognizes that HIV/AIDS is an issue of public health and national security. In 2000, a national programme was launched for the gradual provision of universal access to antiretrovirals - this target was met by 2003. HIV prevention campaigns were also designed during this period, including campaigns against stigma and discrimination. Public expenditure has also increased considerably and 60 million pesos were spent on purchasing antiretroviral medication, which covered 1,000 people. An investment in medicines for people without social security meant that, by 2007, it was possible to treat 21,000 people. 15. Since 2000, Mexico has also provided comprehensive quality health care to people living with HIV/AIDS. The number of special facilities for HIV/AIDS patients has grown to 102. Between 2004 and 2006, 52 AIDS prevention and treatment outpatient centres were built and equipped. The largest part of the budget was allocated to antiretroviral medication. This is due not only to increasing demand from persons in need of medication, but also because intellectual property rights have helped pharmaceuticals to maintain prices that pose a serious threat to the right of access to health. Mexico does not have access to generic drugs of proven quality, and thus continues to explore other means of funding medicines to combat pandemics such as AIDS and tuberculosis. 16. In its response the Government of Morocco provided a brief history of its efforts to facilitate access to treatment for people living with HIV. Highlights included the removal of taxes for antiretrovirals, a 60 per cent reduction in the cost of medicines from five pharmaceutical companies that produce antiretroviral drugs in 2001, the establishment of a Department of Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital of Ibn Rochd in 2002, the introduction of HIV triple therapy in 2003, and the decentralization of equipment for CD4 count testing to six regions in 2004. Ensuring access to antiretroviral treatment to those who require it is part of Morocco’s National Strategic Plan to respond to AIDS (2007-2011) with due consideration given to the needs of foreign migrants. Currently, information sessions and access to treatment and care are free of charge and includes treatment for opportunistic infections. Government expenditure on the purchase of antiretroviral drugs has steadily increased over the years and has been complemented by funding from the Global Fund. In future, psychosocial support will be made available. Treatment for malaria is available free of charge and in accordance with WHO recommendations. The Government is of the view that in the medium and long terms, the reinforcement of intellectual property standards will lead to the creation of monopolies and an increase in the price of medicines. In drawing attention to this, it urges a global solution for this global problem. 17. The Government of Poland provided details on its HIV, malaria and tuberculosis prevention efforts. There are an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people living with HIV in Poland. Since 1985 there have been 11,259 registered cases of HIV; half of these are injecting drug users, with a significant increase in heterosexual transmission. The number of deaths due to AIDS has decreased over the years due to the availability of free antiretroviral treatment since 1996. The antiretroviral treatment accessibility indicator amounts to 77 per cent, which meets European standards. Health care includes information sessions to improve patient adherence to treatment and essential medicines can be imported if they are not available in Poland. There are no social groups that are discriminated against in terms of access to treatment and an improvement in reproductive health care has reduced mother-to-child transmission. Every year some 120 HIV-positive pregnant women and their children receive antiretroviral treatment and annual expenditure for this care amounts to US$ 1.3 million. In 2006 the National AIDS