Associated Press - Friday, Dec. 1, 2000
Sonya Ross, Associated Press Writer

In a speech at Howard University to commemorate World AIDS Day, the president said the fastest-growing infection rates are in Eastern Europe and nations of the former Soviet Union, a situation complicated by "a virtual breakdown of the public health systems there."

"When nations are already struggling against great odds to build prosperity and democracy, it is time to say that AIDS is also an international security crisis," Clinton said.

He said the world must overcome both silence and stigma about the disease.

"Prevention is the most effective tool in our arsenal," he said. "No matter the cultural or religious factors to overcome, families must talk about the facts of life before too many more learn the facts of death."

Clinton said the doctors, researchers and activists on the front line of the AIDS battle should be proud of the fact that AIDS death rates in the United States have fallen to their lowest levels since 1987.

"But we must be humbled by how very far we all have to go, especially around the world," Clinton said. "Today's reality is much worse than the worst-case scenario of just 10 years ago."

The White House distributed statistics showing that while AIDS deaths have declined more than 70 percent in the past five years, 40,000 Americans become infected with the HIV virus each year. Half of those new infections occur among people age 25 and younger.

More than 700,000 Americans have been diagnosed with AIDS since the epidemic began in 1981, and 420,000 have died.

Clinton unveiled a strategic plan by the National Institutes of Health for international AIDS research and establishing new ways to pursue AIDS funding and research in more than 50 countries. He also urged Congress to provide money for AIDS prevention and treatment programs so all HIV-positive Americans, regardless of income, can have access to the latest, most powerful medications.

"Marrying our money to our intentions is a formula for real progress in the United States," Clinton said. "It is a formula, in other words, for people living longer and better lives."

But Belynda Dunn of Boston, board chairwoman for the National Association of People with AIDS, said she worries that the various programs now providing care for AIDS patients will vanish once Clinton leaves office.

"I am so afraid of where the AIDS movement is going to go from there," Dunn said. "We want you to know, Mr. President, we are going to really, really miss you. You have been a lifesaver."

Clinton sought to assure Dunn, saying: "I'm not going anywhere, I'll just be in a different line of work. I'll still be there for you."

Before the speech, Clinton went across town to the Whitman-Walker Clinic, which provides health care, counseling, employment services, even housing and legal assistance, to people with AIDS.

He watched clinic patients having their vital signs checked, and told volunteers they should be commended for helping people with AIDS cope with quality-of-life issues that are exacerbated by their health problems. "We can't forget the human element in all of this," Clinton said.

The patients told Clinton they appreciated federal funding that subsidizes clinics like Whitman-Walker.

"This place has saved me so many times," said Michelle McKinzie, who was diagnosed 17 years ago. "I know you all are fighting and helping us win this battle."

Clinton's activities observed the 13th annual World AIDS Day, launched to encourage compassion for AIDS sufferers and put a coordinated focus on efforts to battle the disease. This year's theme is "Men Make a Difference."

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