In June, I read this post by Gabriel Rotello. It was a great piece questioning the idea that the AIDS epidemic was over in the United States. There hasn't been much coverage of the continuing AIDS crisis in this country, but it's far from over. Coincidentally, in July, I got invited to attend meeting to discuss developing a strategy to end the AIDS epidemic in America. To be honest, I hadn't given the subject much thought. But after spending a day with some of the brightest people in the world of AIDS and other fields, I came away believing we need to step up the discussion.
Of course, to end the AIDS epidemic in America requires leadership. And, we're not going to have leadership until we have a new President. That's why the leading AIDS organizations and their allies "have requested that every Presidential candidate commit to developing a results-oriented national AIDS strategy designed to significantly reduce HIV infection rates, ensure access to care and treatment for those who are infected and eliminate racial disparities." What a concept, huh?
The wealthiest nation in the world is failing its own people in responding to the AIDS epidemic at home. Consider that in the U.S.:
Every year, 40,000 people are newly infected with HIV. The HIV infection rate has not fallen in 15 years. Over a million people are living with HIV. In 2002, an estimated half of people living with HIV/AIDS were not in care. African Americans represent 13% of the population but nearly half of all new HIV infections. In 2004, HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death among black women ages 25 - 34.
The unsatisfactory outcomes from our country’s response to AIDS have serious human and economic costs. A study published in 2003 found that failure to meet the government’s then goal of reducing HIV infections by half would lead to $18 billion in excess expenses through 2010.
Those are some serious ramifications in both human and financial terms. All of the major presidential candidates are offering their health care plans. Hillary Clinton unveiled her plan yesterday.
Every candidate needs to include a plan to end the AIDS epidemic in America. It's gone on way, way too long.
