Brussels, 01/06/2007 (Agence Europe) - In conclusions on combating HIV/AIDS in the EU and neighbouring countries, adopted in Brussels on Thursday 31 May, health ministers acknowledge that the search for better instruments for health promotion, prevention and access to screening, diagnosis and treatment must be continued (mainly with regard to medicines for children, and the treatment of joint infections such as hepatitis C and multi-resistant tuberculosis).. It is, moreover, urgent to develop research on microbicides, vaccines and pre-exposure prophylactics as well as on the most effective ways to modify behaviour. The Council calls on member states to: - exchange best practice on HIV/AIDS prevention; - promote global sexual education, information, advice and services relating to safe sexual practice and the use of the condom, mainly among the young; - and cooperate to ensure access to affordable medicines and treatment. The pharmaceutical industry and every company in the sector is invited to: - facilitate access to affordable medicines; - cooperate with all parties involved and establish special action plans for each country; - create partnerships between public and private sectors to support research and development (R&D) and contribute to technology transfer; - and cooperate in the setting up of networks for the distribution of medicines against HIV/AIDS in cooperation with the government institutions and NGOs. (oj)