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InterAction Statement on President's Renewed AIDS Plan
Contact:
Nasserie Carew
202-667-8227
June 1, 2007
 As the largest coalition of U.S.-based nongovernmental organizations
engaged in relief and development overseas, we applaud President Bush
for demonstrating his renewed commitment to HIV/AIDS funding in
developing countries by announcing his five-year, $30 billion AIDS plan.
We also appreciate his assertion that HIV/AIDS prevention goes
hand-in-hand with other development initiatives, such as providing an
education to boys and girls around the world.
Pleased as we are that President Bush has renewed his commitment to the
global fight against HIV/AIDS, we recognize that $30 billion over five
years implies that annual funding would plateau only slightly above the
fiscal year 2008 level. We urge the President to use his leadership to
achieve a more comprehensive approach to HIV/AIDS, other global health
issues and poverty alleviation. As development and humanitarian
workers, we have extensive experience working with local communities on
HIV/AIDS and other development and humanitarian issues. Based on that
experience, we believe that for the President's Plan for AIDS Relief
(PEPFAR) to truly achieve its goal, the HIV/AIDS pandemic must be
addressed within a comprehensive approach to improving people's lives.
This includes access to child and maternal healthcare, food, potable
water, disaster assistance and employment.
We call on the Bush Administration to also show leadership on
strengthening our government's commitment to improving health systems
and helping people improve the quality and safety of their lives. The
President is right to emphasize the role of the U.S. as a leader in
HIV/AIDS funding, economic development, and the development of
alternative energy sources. While slightly increasing and extending
current PEPFAR funding levels is laudable, more resources must also be
made available to achieve a truly comprehensive approach to fighting
HIV/AIDS, as well as achieving effective poverty-focused development.
For more information on a development approach to HIV/AIDS, download
InterAction's report: A Development Approach to HIV/AIDS
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