I’ve had a very busy day but on this World AIDS Day I’d be remiss if I didn’t note the U.S. role in fighting the global AIDS pandemic. What is the U.S. doing to fight AIDS? Let’s go from the general to the specific.
First, let’s start with the State Department and the official statement on the Dipnote website providing an overview of U.S. efforts. The statement highlights the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which is the primary program for providing HIV prevention, treatment and care to millions of people all over the world. The PEPFAR program, “is directly supporting life-saving antiretroviral treatment for more than 3.2 million men, women and children worldwide as of September 30, 2010, up from less than 2.5 million in 2009. In the coming years, the U.S. has committed to directly support more than four million people on treatment.” The report provides links to Secretary Clinton’s statement on World AIDS Day as well as an online event hosted by the White House.
Next, let’s hear from the man who created PEPFAR. President George W. Bush penned an op-ed in The Washington Post today lending his perspective and advice on fighting HIV/AIDS. I especially like this bit in which he grounds the effort in basic American values and traditions:
I firmly believe it has served American interests to help prevent the collapse of portions of the African continent. But this effort has done something more: It has demonstrated American character and beliefs. America is a certain kind of country, dedicated to the inherent and equal dignity of human lives. It is this ideal – rooted in faith and our founding – that gives purpose to our power. When we have a chance to do the right thing, we take it.
Finally, let’s find one very specific example of the U.S. role in fighting AIDS. According to this news-wire report, the U.S. is starting a program in Zimbabwe to get people tested for the virus and the U.S. ambassador has been instrumental in promoting the effort. Here’s the ambassador’s account, in his own words.
The U.S. effort to fight HIV/AIDS is now a part of both American domestic policy and our foreign policy. U.S. leaders recognize that providing global support for testing and treatment helps promote stability, leverages soft power, improves the image of the U.S. role in the world, and…it’s just the right thing to do.
Image Credit: U.S Department of State/AP