POPLINE Document Number: 314795
Author(s):
Hill KR
Source citation:
[Unpublished] 2006. [5] p. (USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse DocID / Order No. PD-ACH-886)
Abstract:
This discussion is particularly timely, as only three weeks ago the 16th International AIDS Conference came to a close in Toronto, Canada. The International AIDS Conference is intended to be a scientific meeting, but it offers an opportunity to spotlight the HIV/AIDS epidemic on a global stage. Both Ambassador Dybul and I had the opportunity to engage conference participants in robust, frank dialogue about the critical interventions needed to accelerate the prevention of HIV. Against the backdrop of the conference, I returned to Washington with three overarching themes dominant in my thinking: One: The United States is recognized as the global leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The sheer magnitude of resources the U.S. has committed to this single disease is unprecedented, and beyond that of any other nation in the world. In both public comments and in the press, the Emergency Plan is repeatedly cited as the single greatest contributor to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Two: The fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. In fact, I don't believe we've yet even turned the corner. Despite impressive achievements in the expansion of treatment numbers, four million new infections every year threaten to dwarf the global resources available to meet the treatment requirements in the years ahead. This simple arithmetic fact means that we have no alternative but to scale up significantly and strengthen the prevention of new HIV infections globally. And since the vast majority of new infections occur through sexual transmission, we must focus particularly on that area. Three: Although opinions can and do diverge regarding the relative importance of various prevention interventions, we must differentiate between legitimate debate and the much more common misinformation so often associated with discussion of the U.S. endorsement of ABC - "abstinence or delay of sexual debut," "be faithful and at the very least partner reduction," and "correct and consistent use of condoms." The ABC approach is an evidence-based, flexible, and common-sense based strategy which plays a major role in stemming the tide of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It is too important to be bogged down in the politics of passion. Too much is at stake, too many lives hang in the balance, too many children are vulnerable to become orphans if we fail in our prevention efforts. (excerpt)
Keywords:
United StatesIndex page
Developing Countries
Progress Report
Evaluation
Government Officials
Policymakers
HIV Prevention
Foreign Aid
USAID
Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condom Use
Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission
North America
Americas
Developed Countries
Administrative Personnel
Organization and Administration
HIV Infections
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Financial Activities
Economic Factors
Government Agencies
Organizations
Political Factors
Sociocultural Factors
Sex Behavior
Behavior
Disease Transmission Control
Prevention and Control