Statement from ACT UP Philadelphia on the
President's plan for global AIDS:

January 29, 2003: The exact details of the president's plan
for Global AIDSare still unclear. Even the President's
seemingly ambitious goals for global AIDS are far below
what this country is capable of.

We could be shipping AIDS medications to
hospitals and clinics next month, not promising to treat
two million people in five years. Forty-two million people
have HIV. Africa is full of hospitals with almost
everything but AIDS medications.

We are disappointed that only a small sum each year will be
sent to the UN Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria. Based
on the United Nations estimate of our fair share, this
country should be donating between $2 billion to $3 billion
to the Global Fund this year and every year, not $1 billion
over five years. One billion dollars over 5 years comes out
to $200 million per year, 10 percent of what is needed.
President Bush has turned his back on the Global Fund.

We are also curious about the White House fact sheet
statement about collaborating with "private groups and
willing governments." AIDS can only be stopped when the
United States, the country with the most money, contributes
it in adequate amounts to worthy programs regardless of
political considerations, ideological goals, or
geographical boundaries. Zimbabwe needs help. China needs
help. Neither is on the list.

It is unclear where most of this money will be spent, but
if it is through USAID or the CDC, we urge people to look
closely at their record with AIDS treatment. Neither has
been unable to get the ball rolling. If health officials
need a road built, the USAID is the go-to organization.
Access to AIDS drugs has not been their strong point.

Finally, we applaud President Bush¹s comment that AIDS
treatment can be purchased at $300 per person per
year--this can only be achieved by using generic drugs. We
share President Bush¹s commitment to generic competition as
the best way to provide affordable AIDS drugs to millions
of people.

Katie Krauss
ACT UP Philadelphia
Email: [email protected] [2]