"Dying for Dollars"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Dying for Dollars"

New Republic (12/17/90) Vol. 203, No. 25, P. 7

Abstract: AIDS may get a disproportionate share of U.S. biomedical research dollars in purely numerical terms, but in real terms AIDS is one of the only areas of research that is even adequately funded, write the editors of the New Republic. Rather than criticize AIDS activists for securing sufficient monies through effective lobbying, others should emulate their tactics. AIDS has not been treated like other diseases because, unlike diseases with stable death rates, HIV is a transmissible virus with the potential for exponential spread. The response to AIDS should be more akin to that for Hurricane Hugo--emergency disaster relief. AIDS spending increased by 100 percent a year from 1982 to 1986, but AIDS research has made significant spin-off contributions in many areas, from virology and immunology to the understanding of gene expression and the spread of other sexually transmitted diseases. Finally, AIDS activists, who now realize they will not get more money, are, in effect, fighting the battle for others by attempting to get more money for all research, conclude the editors.

901217
AD901396

Copyright © 1990 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1990. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1990. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.