Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
San Francisco Chronicle - Thursday, February 7, 2008
But even this effort could go much further as the disease deepens its hold. About 33 million people worldwide are infected with the AIDS virus, and the president's programs serve 1.5 million with life-prolonging drugs, other treatment and prevention. Though his new plan calls for upping coverage to take in 2.5 million, those enrolled are the fortunate few.
The U.S. should build on this beginning in a several ways. House Democrats are weighing a wholesale increase: take the president's $30 billion starting bid and boost it to $50 billion over the next five years.
Also, the president's thinking needs a real-world adjustment. His insistence on abstinence programs and a ban on treatment for prostitutes is more hindrance than help and a bow to his religious conservative base.
A federal General Accounting Office study in 2006 found that abstinence teachings were a confusing imposition on prevention efforts. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a California Democrat, put it more plainly: By chucking the abstinence proviso, "we put science above politics."
Finally, it's worth remembering that AIDS remains a domestic problem with about 40,000 new infections yearly in this country. One useful brake on the problem would be an end to a 20-year ban on federal money for clean needle exchanges.
This nation has made a praiseworthy and bipartisan start on containing AIDS. It's time to widen the fight both overseas and at home.
080207
SC080208
Copyright © 2008 - 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Always watch for outdated information.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 2008. 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, 2008. 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. .