Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle - Monday, September 1, 2003
So, why is President Bush reneging on his promise to fund efforts to curb this dreaded disease?
With seemingly stern resolve, in January, Bush announced a 5-year, $15 billion AIDS plan, committing $3 billion in 2004 -- $1 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Bush, rightly noting that "time is not on our side," pushed his plan through Congress in May. In June, he prodded a similar commitment from the G-8 nations in France. In July, he trumpeted his pledge during a five-day trek through Africa.
While critics said Bush's plan fell short of the pressing need, we commended him, nonetheless, for increasing U.S. AIDS funding by 300 percent.
Then he suddenly changed his mind, opting for about $2 billion for next year -- a mere $200 million for the Global Fund -- claiming more money couldn't be effectively spent.
It's a curious claim in light of United Nations reports that $8.2 billion for AIDS could be absorbed in 2004, $3.1 billion in Africa alone. What's more, now Europe may cut its $1 billion Global Fund grant, which was offered as match to the United States.
With $1 billion the Global Fund could prevent 1.6 million new cases of AIDS and 400,000 deaths of those already infected. It could treat more than a million cases of TB, more than 10 million cases of malaria and prevent unimaginable suffering.
Mr. President, we implore you to keep this promise.
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