Moscow, 29 March 2007, Penta Renascence Hotel (Olimpiysky Prospect, 18/1)

Dr. Ruslan Khalfin, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Development of the RF, Marco Borsotti, UN Resident Coordinator in the Russian Federation, Flavio Mirella, Chair of the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in the RF, Bertil Lindblad, Director Regional Support Team, Eastern Europe and Central Asia and representatives of Russian and international partner organisations will discuss the progress in cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Social Development and UNAIDS on Implementation of ''Coordination in Action'' Initiative in Russia.

Among others the participants will discuss such pending issues as Expanded Response to HIV/AIDS in the RF within the Framework of the National Health Project; measures to ensure universal access to HIV treatment, care and support, financial monitoring of HIV-related activities, integration of HIV prevention into the Sphere of Mother and Child Protection, HIV treatment for vulnerable groups and many other issues requiring cooperation among various ministries and governmental bodies, as well as interaction between Russian and international non-governmental organisations.

The programme does not foresee any press conferences but journalists will be able to communicate with round table participants on individual basis. Please send your requests for participation, interviews and an agenda to Elena Tamazova, UNAIDS Advocacy and Communications Adviser, +7 916 810 20 33, tamazovae@unaids.org

The round table starts at 10:00