having AIDS, of whom 1,612 had died, including 114 females. At the same time, 11,676 people were reported as HIV antibody positive, including 1,261 females. 37. In connection with the provision of health care services for women in the ethnic minorities, the United Kingdom Government was unequivocally committed to promoting equality of opportunity both in health service delivery and in health care employment. Account was taken of differences in language, culture and religion and the Ministry of Health had a special adviser on issues concerning ethnic minorities. A seminar had been held in November 1987 for managers of health authorities with substantial ethnic minority populations. That had provided an opportunity to exchange ideas and experience on meeting the health needs of ethnic minority communities, particularly the needs of women in those communities. Publication of the report of the meeting had made it possible for all the health authorities to be made aware of needs which were not always appreciated by health care professionals. 38. The practice of female circumcision was illegal in the United Kingdom. Members of the Committee were concerned because the Ministry of Health had provided funding for two voluntary organizations which worked with those sectors of the African community in the United Kingdom who had come from countries where female circumcision was practised. The work of those organizations fell broadly into two areas: they offered advice to women and girls who had been circumcized in their country of origin before coming to the United Kingdom and were suffering from physical and psychological consequences. They also advised other family members and community groups regarding the practice in order to make it clear that it was illegal in the United Kingdom and that they must refrain from having their daughters circumcized. 39. Child care facilities, mothers’ associations, nursery groups and domiciliary 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the provision of health care services, specifically for women in ethnic minorities, and the efforts to prevent harmful practices such as female circumcision. The text also provides data on HIV/AIDS cases and deaths. These topics suggest that the text is primarily focused on health care and the well-being of specific populations.

**Category**
Health