Bush announces $15b AIDS emergency relief plan

[Guest guest]

Statement from ACT UP Philadelphia on the

President's plan for global AIDS:

January 29, 2003: The exact details of the president's plan

for Global AIDSare still unclear. Even the President's

seemingly ambitious goals for global AIDS are far below

what this country is capable of.

We could be shipping AIDS medications to

hospitals and clinics next month, not promising to treat

two million people in five years. Forty-two million people

have HIV. Africa is full of hospitals with almost

everything but AIDS medications.

We are disappointed that only a small sum each year will be

sent to the UN Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria. Based

on the United Nations estimate of our fair share, this

country should be donating between $2 billion to $3 billion

to the Global Fund this year and every year, not $1 billion

over five years. One billion dollars over 5 years comes out

to $200 million per year, 10 percent of what is needed.

President Bush has turned his back on the Global Fund.

We are also curious about the White House fact sheet

statement about collaborating with " private groups and

willing governments. " AIDS can only be stopped when the

United States, the country with the most money, contributes

it in adequate amounts to worthy programs regardless of

political considerations, ideological goals, or

geographical boundaries. Zimbabwe needs help. China needs

help. Neither is on the list.

It is unclear where most of this money will be spent, but

if it is through USAID or the CDC, we urge people to look

closely at their record with AIDS treatment. Neither has

been unable to get the ball rolling. If health officials

need a road built, the USAID is the go-to organization.

Access to AIDS drugs has not been their strong point.

Finally, we applaud President Bush¹s comment that AIDS

treatment can be purchased at $300 per person per

year--this can only be achieved by using generic drugs. We

share President Bush¹s commitment to generic competition as

the best way to provide affordable AIDS drugs to millions

of people.

Krauss

ACT UP Philadelphia

Email: katie@...