Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
USIS Washington File - February 10, 2006
Susan Ellis, Washington File Staff Writer
The USINFO Webchat focused on the February 8 release of Action Today, a Foundation for Tomorrow, the Bush administration's second annual report to Congress on the results achieved by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and U.S. partners in host nations during the past two years. (See related article.)
Groups of people living with HIV/AIDS virus "can help implementers design the most appropriate and responsive interventions," Dybul said. "So our U.S. government teams are reaching out to such groups, including them in program design and implementation, and providing funding for a growing number of groups in order to build their capacity."
The five-year, $15 billion initiative to fight the global HIV/AIDS pandemic focuses especially on the 15 hardest-hit nations. In addition to providing immediate assistance, PEPFAR establishes partnerships to help these countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean improve their health care systems and increase their capacity to cope with the epidemic.
"The results these partnerships have been able to achieve so far are impressive," Dybul said, encouraging the webchat participates to read the report, available on the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Web site.
One participant, an official at the U.S. Embassy in Maseru, Lesothu, said "One of the relatively new developments" that Peace Corps volunteers in Lesotho have seen in the field is the organization of HIV/AIDS support groups in larger camp towns. These organizations are made up of and supported by groups of HIV positive members.
According to the PEPFAR report, programs now reach almost 3 million people, including 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children. In 2005, the United States invested $2.8 billion in the program, and has set aside $3.2 billion for PEPFAR in 2006.
The programÆs treatment component expanded in 2005 to deliver AIDS treatment to 401,000 people in the 15 focus countries, and 471,000 worldwide, according to the report.
Asked for his impressions on how well the news media is addressing HIV/AIDS, Dybul cited the importance of good journalism in disseminating accurate information.
"Yesterday I had an opportunity to talk to journalists from South Africa and Vietnam, and I was impressed by how seriously those journalists took their responsibility to inform their nations on HIV/AIDS. Health journalism is especially important in reducing HIV/AIDS-related stigma, and I want to thank all the journalists who tackle that difficult job," Dybul said.
Information on upcoming webchats and a transcript of the online discussion with Dybul are available on the USINFO Webchat Station Web site.
For additional information on U.S. efforts to combat the pandemic, see HIV/AIDS. For information on how U.S. foreign assistance is affecting lives, see Partnership For a Better Life
060210
US060202
Copyright © 2006 - US Information Agency. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the USIA.
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .