Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle - Tuesday, February 1, 2000
Edward Epstein, Chronicle Staff Writer
The dramatic spread of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa has finally gotten a lot of attention, with Vice President Al Gore recently addressing the U.N. Security Council about the epidemic that has killed 13.7 million people in Africa. An additional 23.3 million are infected on the continent, 55 percent of them children.
The Clinton administration already has proposed doubling federal spending on AIDS overseas in the fiscal 2001 budget. Africa and Asia would get $100 million each for treatment and prevention programs. Another $50 million would be set aside for vaccines, including Nevirapine, a $4 drug that can prevent the spread of HIV from mother to newborn.
"This will put the United States where it belongs, in the forefront of the global fight against HIV and AIDS," Boxer said at a press conference at San Francisco City Hall.
Her legislation, which she said built on a proposal by Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, sets forth a plan for the U.S. Agency for International Development to spend $2 billion over five years. At least half that total would have to go to sub-Saharan Africa. The money would be spent on prevention, testing, care for those with the disease, and medications.
Without a dramatic intervention, it's estimated that some 40 million children will be orphaned in Africa during the next decade because of AIDS.
000201
SC000202
Copyright © 2000 - San Francisco Chronicle Press. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the San Francisco Chronicle, Permissions Desk, 901 Mission Street, San Franciso, CA 94103. You may also send a fax to (415) 495-3843, or an email message to chronperm@sfgate.com. http://www.sfgate.com.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2000. 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, 2000. 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. .