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President Barack Obama set an ambitious goal Thursday for significantly increasing access to life-saving AIDS drugs for people in the U.S. and around the world, as he announced a renewed American commitment to ending a pandemic that has killed 30 million people.
"We can beat this disease," Obama declared during a World AIDS Day event in Washington. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton also participated via satellite.
Obama pledged U.S. support to help 6 million people in countries hardest hit by the virus get access to antiretroviral drugs by the end of 2013, increasing the original U.S. goal by 2 million. And he announced plans to boost spending on HIV treatment in the U.S. by $50 million.
"The rate of new infections may be going down elsewhere, but it's not going down here in America," he said. "There are communities in this country being devastated still by this disease. When new infections among young, black, gay men increase by nearly 50 percent in three years, we need to do more to show them that their lives matter."
As part of Obama's new overseas initiatives, the U.S. will also aim to get antiretroviral drugs to 1.5 million HIV-positive pregnant women to prevent them from passing the virus to their children; distribute more than 1 billion condoms in the developing world in the next two years; and fund 4.7 million voluntary medical male circumcisions in eastern and southern Africa over the next two years. Research shows circumcisions reduce the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission by more than 60 percent.
The new global goals build on the work of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which focuses on prevention, treatment and support programs in 15 countries hit hardest by the AIDS pandemic, 12 of them in Africa. Bush launched the $15 billion plan in 2003, and in 2008, Congress tripled the budget to $48 billion over five years.
Obama praised Bush for his leadership on AIDS relief, saying the program will be one of the former president's greatest legacies.
"That program — more ambitious than even leading advocates thought was possible at the time — has saved thousands and thousands and thousands of lives, spurred international action, and laid the foundation for a comprehensive global plan that will impact the lives of millions," Obama said. "And we are proud that we have the opportunity to carry that work forward."
Despite Obama's more ambitious goals, the relief program's budget is not expected to increase. Instead officials said the expanded targets would be funded through savings achieved by making the program more efficient and cutting the costs of treatment.
The president urged other wealthy nations to fulfill their financial pledges to a global fund to fight HIV and AIDS, and jabbed those who have not contributed money.
"Countries that haven't made a pledge need to do so," he said. "That includes China and other major economies that are now able to step up as major donors."
Obama also announced new initiatives to combat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, in the U.S. The White House said there are 1.2 million Americans living with HIV, and 50,000 new infections each year. Officials said he would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to increase funding for domestic treatment by $50 million
The bulk of the new funding — $35 million — will go to state programs that help people living with HIV and AIDS get access to medicine. There are currently more than 6,500 Americans living with the virus on waiting lists for medication, according to the White House.
The rest of the domestic funds will go to HIV medical clinics across the country, with an emphasis on areas where infections have increased and care and treatment are not readily available. Officials said the additional clinic funding would give 7,500 more patients access to treatment.
The $50 million is already part of the HHS budget, and officials said Obama does not need congressional approval to reallocate the funds.
The HIV virus has infected an estimated 60 million people worldwide since the deadly pandemic began 30 years ago. More than 33 million people are currently living with the virus.
While the failure to find an effective HIV vaccine continues to frustrate the medical community, experts say scientific research in recent years has led to substantial progress in preventing and treating the virus.
Obama ordered his staff to reevaluate both their international and domestic approaches to HIV and AIDS this summer after being briefed on the scientific advancements.
Members of both parties praised the new initiatives and commended Democratic and Republican leaders for coming together.
"Here's what we can do when we work together. We've got leaders of both political parties standing behind something that works," said Gayle Smith, Obama's senior director for development and democracy at the National Security Council.
Tony Fratto, a former Bush spokesman, urged both parties to avoid making the fight against AIDS a political issue.
"The only way to undermine this historic undertaking is if it becomes a partisan issue," he said. "The reasons a Barack Obama and a George W. Bush can support America's leading role in addressing this disease may be very different, but what's important is they've sought the same goal."
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doesn't he know that Obama care will already take care of us all? I think that's on page 1,527....... must not have read that far yet.
while everyone attention is on aids, abortion,prayer in school, wall street etc.
THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES IS VOTING ON SENATE BILL S 1867;
It gives the Military the right to pick up and detain without trial anyone deemed to be a suspect against the Government; this bill has both Democrat and Republican support, and is being pushed by Homeland security, with support from the administration; this bill allows American citizens to be placed in indefinite confinement if they are suspected as being a terrorist sympathizer, a suspected anit-social, individual, are being a threat to the peace of the United States. wake up folks .
Yes because the "good luck with that care" of the Republicans has served us SO well. Is that 'let em eat cake' stuff working for ya yet?
Obama is spending an additional $50 million on care for people with AIDS.... and the ignorant masses are being told it is an improvement.
What has been the cost to U.S. taxpayers since Obama opened our borders to anyone with AIDS who wants to come here and be treated?
Congresswoman Lee Applauds Obama Administration Decision to Lift HIV Travel Ban
http://lee.house.gov/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-applauds-obama-administration-decision-to-lift-hiv-travel-ban/
If you want to improve AIDS, or healthcare expenses in America perhaps NOT importing people with AIDS would be an important part of the plan.
Releasing the ban was the right thing to do. People with AIDS don't need the additional discrimination, given the stigma already attached.
Test and treat will stop the epidemic, and we can do it in the next 5-6 years if we (and the rest of the world) will make it a priority.
Per NPR yesterday, Obama has been criticized by AIDs prevention groups for his lack of attention the AIDs issue. Perhaps Obama can take cue for Bush:
http://www.ncregister.com/site/article/18800
Then why the 50% increase in young, black, gay men in three years? Testing and treating this particular group has increased the "epidemic".
So taking various "protective" measures is discrimination? Tell the doctors/nurses to quit using gloves, masks, etc. because they are discriminating and stigmatizing the infected patients. Also tell the hospitals to remove the isolation wards from hospitals because thet is discriminating against all of those patients that have other infectious diseases.
Obama's "massive blow" to the United States debt/deficit.....continue the Left's spending on ANY programs. Hint, hint........acceleration to ANOTHER U.S. dollar downgrade.
Merry Christmas......American taxpayers.
@thethinker, when the AIDS epidemic started universal precautions were brought on board so that people were not treated differently.
The stigma of HIV prevents people from getting tested and treated. Anything that can be done to reduce stigma needs to be done.
There are increases in certain populations. The CDC and SAMHSA have targeted this population for intervention, testing and treatment. Many of the reasons for the increase in this area are stigma related.
Your assertion that testing and treating has increased the epidemic is false. This portion of the population shy's away from testing and treatment.
@ido, I guess you should cut all prevention efforts and innoculations because its too expensive, right?
@Saxon
President Obama, who has frequently been criticized by libertarians of both the left and right for exceeding his powers as Commander-in-Chief, is opposed to the legislation and has threatened to veto it if it passes both houses of Congress.
re-elect; thanks for the info, I tried to find out what the White house position on the bill was; I did read that Janet of homeland security, was not opposed to the senate bill.
@saxon; wake up homeboy, this is about getting the bad guys into custody, not interrupting your drum chant.
D mcMillen; nope it is about the Constitution of the United States, throughout American history our Government has attempted a end around the constitution, the supreme court has knocked them down every time (a. Lincoln suspension of Habeus Corpus, alien and sedation laws, equal but separate schooling for black and white) persons such as yourself who do not believe in our American Constitution are more dangerous than any foreign enemy. I served my country in the armed forces, did you !
Please see the work from Dr. Rider's group at MIT, the link is below. They are working on a broad spectrum antiviral that may end up able to kill virtually any virus including the AIDS virus. They currently have next to no funding and no pharma or investment group will step up.
See the article on AIDSMEDS
I plan to try and build a fund-raising program to give them the money they need to turn this around quickly. They are not a decade away from clinical trials because of anything except the money. Ever think pharmas or the government are hiding cures? I personally don't but this is an example of how their development can be delayed.
I feel this will just be more government spending we cannot afford. Par for the course for Obama.
__
Chris Christie recently said in a speech to Obama, "Just what ARE we paying you for?"
Here’s a partial list:
To fundamentally transform the United States of America.
To put more Americans on food stamps than ever before.
To turn 16% of our economy over to the government (healthcare).
To plunder from the pockets of the producers and redistribute wealth.
To pay off political backers by “investing” in their non-sustainable solar companies.
To change union rules so as to make unionization easier.
To deny American energy efforts for the sake of “green” dreams.
To turn long-established bankruptcy law on its head by giving preferences to unsecured union creditors.
To apologize for America on the world stage.
To bow to the enemies of America.
To demonize millionaires and billionaires.
To implement rules and regulations costing businesses trillions each year.
To give the EPA power to destroy segments of our economy … coal, for instance.
To bailout certain industries and then stick the taxpayers with the tab.
To spend $800 billion on virtual dance projects and bridges for endangered squirrels.
To lose 2.5 million jobs in our economy.
To sue states when they try and do what the federal government fails to do – protect its borders.
The list can go on and on .. and it is way too easy to compile. The bottom line is that Obama is not the leader we want and certainly not the one we need.
Just what ARE we paying Republicans For:
To destroy our civil liberties
To burn government funds stolen from the middle class putting a fireworks show in Iraq
To destroy the middle class
To cater to institutions of pious fraud
To creat the biggest government in US history
To give our hard earn money to the baby killers
To demonize the working class
To criminalize everything under the sun
To deplete your 401K
To bailout wallstreet and auto makers
To spend $800 billion dollars to shoot a camel in the a$$
To bring 200,000 H1B's a year while the economy 3 times as many jobs per month
To give tax cuts to corporations that "ask" for them bullying their employees theretening to fire them if they do not sig petitions.
etc, etc, etc...
saxon post #1.1 - Very good point. If that affront to everything the US has claimed to stand for the last 200+ years is allowed to become law then none of these other issues matter at all. Obama absolutely must veto this thing
@ saxon. yes, 23 yrs U.S. Army
While this is a worthy cause to fight, isn't it amazing that only a few months ago the US government was on the brink of shutting down because of the amount of debt it has accumlated. Yet, even though congress hasn't agreed to curb any spending, no taxes have been raised, and no new taxes were created, this administration is still spending money like there is no tomorrow. DISGUSTING!!
"Obama is also announcing new initiatives to combat the spread of HIV in the U.S......"
Obama Announces End of HIV Travel Ban
Foreigners infected with HIV will be allowed to travel and immigrate to the United States without restriction, President Barack Obama said Friday, announcing the repeal of a twenty-year-old travel ban.
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/politics/july-dec09/travel_10-30.html
So Obama is now trying to "combat the spread of HIV in the U.S.".... after opening it's borders to those infected with HIV?
With logic like this from our "leaders" it is no wonder our nation continues to spiral downward.
This is money well spent. It's just as important as decreasing the debt and raising revenues.
The ban was imposed when we didn't know how HIV was spread. It makes no sense to have a ban.
As I've said before, those with HIV don't need more bigotry and discrimination.
So if it is okay to permit know carriers of infectious diseases into the U.S. why do they not allow infected food into the U.S.? Why do they prohibit people with the various strains of flu - avian, swine, Russian, etc., from entering or even traveling around the U.S.? Why do they not allow toys with lead paint into the U.S.? These are all examples of know health risks and methods of tranmission so we should not discriminate against them either - simply warnings should suffice.
It has nothing to do with the discrimination and bigotry and everything with trying to reduce exposure levels.
pjam09.....
I also wonder if Mr. Obama's plan also includes all those Illegal Aliens (Immigrants) coming into the United States with HIV and other communicable diseases:
Guess it makes NO SENSE TO HAVE A BAN on Illegal Aliens (Immigrants), just let them cross that open border (North or South).
@thethinker, HIV transmission occurs through blood, semen, vaginal fluids. It's not the same as air borne transmission, or coughing like TB etc.
In short, there is no viable data source that showed that there any reduction in prevalence of HIV as a result of the travel ban.
You have to be pretty damn ignorant or looking for anything to blame on Obama if you think people getting treated for AIDS are spreading it.... AIDS is not spread that easy... it isn't the Ebola virus.
I didnt agree when Bush started this. REALLY didnt agree when the Democratic Party tripled the funding, and Still do not agree that Obama is keeping it going.
Help the 1.2 million Americans, let the rest of the worlds Gvmnt help their people.
We hare helping 15 countries 12 of them in Africa.. When are we going to butt the hell out and let nature take its course there?
The world sends Billions of dollars ( well mostly the US ) in Aid to this cesspool in the world. People there keep having kids, keep spreading deadly infections.. Time to let Evloution runits course folks. Time to start worring more about ourselves.
Very compassionate. I can see why everyone outside the US is called a "cesspool" in your world. Gee who wouldn't be proud to share the planet with the "hear nothing see nothing" folks.
Where did I call everything outside the US a Cesspool? Reading comprehension is not your strong suit is it?
Calling parts of Africa a Cesspool, is actually an upgrade from what it currently is.
They cannot provide food, water, and in some cases shelter. They murder entire communities because of their religion. They are ruled by power hungry War lords who steal most of the " Aid " given to them by the rest of the world.
It is a backwords ass part of the world, that has been proped up by the rest of the world for as long as I can remember.. When do we finally say, enough is enough and be done with it.
Some people are sure offended by natural selection.
If a population group grows to an unsustainable size, something happens to pare it back.
HIV is no different. Only it's from behavior, something that can be changed by free will.
If people in Africa choose to continue to behave in such a way that HIV spreads, well, sorry, I have almost no pity for them whatsoever.
@ Sha Zaaam12
I agree with you that american unemployment is in fact one of the biggest problems the country is currently facing, however, this should not mean that all other problems within the country may be ignored. Current stalemate between congress and the president rather directly establishes that not much is going to be done with unemployment, however perhaps other things may be accomplished. Fighting HIV should be a part of this. Slacking off on this topic can have devastating consequences as new infections lead to even more infections. As a member of the LGBTQS community I do however find it unusual that we do not receive our honorary mention in this article ... lets face it HIV and AIDS are a huge problem for many gay americans, and a huge effort is made on behalf of many gay men to educate others. More money for inner city testing would always be appreciated in particular for black and latino neighborhoods where the topic is frequently taboo and ignorance is infecting too many young man. I realize bringing this point up further establishes a connection between homosexuality and HIV, this is not my intent. Many gay men are entering monogamous relations, are adopting kids and taking on foster kids to better the lives off other Americans; many more are adopting safe sex practices; however not all are and more education will be needed to further educate the youth before they become sexually active.
bambam couldn't give a ratfart less about curing aids...he's pandering for the gay vote...another box of money for him to stick his hand in.
bingo
The risk of HIV/AIDS for homosexual sex is 50%. Now why are we wasting research dollars on people who chose to get sick? HIV/AIDS is like obesity, only worse. Fat people actually survive medical operations better than thin people.
Go back and read the article again. Infection rates are up 50%, the infection risk is NOT 50%. If the infection rate was say 10% and it went up 50% then the rate is now 15%. Big difference between the two numbers, no?
Percentages are bad ways of expressing numbers. If you had a single infection one year and 3 infection the next year, that is a 200% increase. Plus people don't understand phrases like "5% are whatever and 60% of those are blahblah." 60% of 5% is 3%. It only gets more confusing from there. Just use the actual numbers. Trust me, people can deal with it.
Pandering to gays worldwide. More wealth redistribution perhaps? Here's an idea, guys don't @!$%# guys.
The VAST majority of AIDS transmission worldwide is between heterosexuals. Your point is moot.
Your free speech doesn't apply on the Internet.
yes willie, we have morals-its called compassion, something I think jesus talked about
This fake narcissist really conned you fools. The only thing he has ever cared about was getting elected. He started running for Soros, errrrr, president the day he reached the senate. Wake up!!!!
Another case of hyperFoxism.
You probably have a large poster of Glenn Beck in your bedroom, on the ceiling.
This may be a bit off the main subject, but some of these posts bring up what I feel is very important. I was once asked by a TP/Repub if I thought health care was a right or priviledge. He, of course, thought it was a privilege. This kind of thinking is not only cruelly inhuman, but moronically short-sighted. Disease causing organisms can and DO mutate and change, and leaving a portion of the population without proper health care creates a perfect breeding zone for this to happen. As a third year student in the biotech field, I've found it to be almost scary how effectively viruses and bacteria can mutate and adapt to become more virulent. So, if this inhuman and short-sighted thinking becomes the norm in the U.S., just remember the next new "super-bug" won't care how much money you have.
Lest we forget ... some Islamic countries behead homosexuals. These countries do not have a HIV/AIDS problem. Beheading seems to be barbaric, but neutering might be a solution.
The rate of AIDS in the US is 0.6%. Mali is 90% Muslim and has an AIDS rate of 1.5% of the population. Further, in many African countries where being gay is a death sentence, they have very high incidents of AIDS (like 20%+ of the population).
Lest we forget, heterosexuals have sex too. Homosexuals aren't the only people spreading HIV/AIDS.
In some parts of Africa, it is believed that the way to cure AIDS is to have sex with a virgin. This is just as shortsighted as believing that AIDS is almost exclusively spread by homosexuals.
I'm not even going to read the article. Let me guess, give a speech, photo op, give more tax payer dollars to a governemt agency, back on the campaign trail.
Did obama say he is going to "lick" the problem, I think that would be a good idea!!!
Happy to see Obama is working on the issues that are the most important. WTF? Does anyone remember yesterday? The Fed injected billions into the damn banks again. Stock market exploded. One day later it's declining again.
We sorely need leadership on what counts. This issue will just be another thing to look out for in the post economic collapse of the world and the military can round us up for no reason and detain us indefinitely -SENATE BILL S 1867.
Wake up people!
The HIV issue is KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS! Be monogomus! Be responsible, Have some common sense.
Obama has none of this to offer!
tell it to cain and newt
Monogamy is a good solution. But it goes against human nature. I don't excuse the behavior, I'm just realistic. It is the same reason you keep cash in a safe place and not on your front lawn.
The HIV issue is KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS! Be monogomus! Be responsible, Have some common sense.
Obama has none of this to offer!
Don't be distracted. Satan wants to distract you. And he is campaigning as hard as he can to get you to believe that he is on your side after all.
That $50 million could be put to better use in the the USA helping Seniors with Medicare!
Let's keep our feet on the ground, and look to the stars. My wife died of kidney failure due to diabetes. Just think of how many people would live longer if just those 2 things had cures. There are huge foundations that seem to be doing nothing but coming out with new test machines and dialyses machines. Nothing about a real stem cell cure. Aids to be sure is terrible, but it's a virus. There are drugs and should be to keep it under control. But a cure seems so far off
"Let the NIH pay for this but, not the government."
That's right up there with "keep the government's hands off my Medicare!"
I'm closely connected to colleagues researching cures for both. There are many promising treatments on the horizon. One involves transplanting a patient's spleen cells to the pancreas to cure diabetes. The other involves tricking the body into making a ton of new blood to cure early HIV infections. No stem cells required.
You have to hand it to the right-wing sycophants: their energy is boundless.
It is very simple & obvious what causes this terrible disease - removal of clothing. I hope the additional money the president wants to spend on this will be paid for it with his own paycheck as the American public is now broke and can't afford it. America can't solve every problem in the world - it's time other countries deal with something, ANYTHING.
I think fighting aids is a very good cause and make it affordable to get the drugs for people around the world and United States is an excellent idea. I just wish that people would learn having sex without protection has consequences, and as my Bishop says almost every Sunday "You better be careful who you lay down with" because these are the results that can happen.
"We need to become a righteous society again."
You're absolutely correct. I'm glad you support banning divorce, stoning children, owning slaves, and selling your daughter into marriage. You need to uphold Biblical law and do not shave, wear multiple fabrics, or swear.
LOL time to lay off the Faux News, buddy. Go take a breath of fresh air.
and how dare jesus cure those lepers...must have been a bleeding heart lberal
Several comments here have hit it right on: 1) Obama and WA are not inforcing laws against illegal immigratioin, 2) More money for gays/HIV for blacks, etc, 3) Not enforcing restrictions against politicians making millions from inside trade information....I could go on and on. Obama is only looking for votes...his actions are proving he has no concern for American citizens. He's determined to remain in the whitehouse under any condition.
Giving more and more aid to other countries and his special interests while reducing benefits for American seniors and medicare. Now WA is considering reductions of benefits for retired military personnel. Who is tracking all the aid monies going to other countries and special interests...how much of it ever gets to where it is intended...WASTE AFTER WASTE.
Start working to stop the fraud in medicaid and other benefits....Billions will probably be saved. And, anyone caught in fraud - either private citizens or politicians should be charged...NO PLEA BARGAINS>
The US needs a president who is not a career politicians and needs congress and senate members who have the best interest of the US at stake....that does not seem the case at the present time.
You are a complete dummy. There are NO DEATH PANELS. Your doctor took an oath to do no harm. Stop spreading your rhetoric. Or better yet do us all a favor and stay away from your doctor we will all be better off!
"We should be building a wall like the Great Wall that surrounds Red China."
You are aware that the Great Wall took centuries to build and stole the lives of 2-3 million Chinese people -- and is now crumbling to the ground?
Somebody tell Obama that Barney Frank is already working on that by announcing his retirement......
AIDS is a preventable disease. I wonder why the first lady isn't tackling the gay lifestyle as much as she is the fast food lifestyle, they're all choices with consequences.
New steps? How about telling everyone with HIV and AIDS to keep their pants zipped and quit having sex and spreading the virus? How about stop sharing needles? Donating blood and organs if you are infected.
All that is needed to stop HIV and AIDS is for the people that have it to quit doing the things that spread it.
KILLER: You are referring to "abstinence" I take it???
Why don't ask one of your party leaders, Sarah Palin how well abstinece worked out for her family???
Sex is a a basic human funcition, always has been and always will be. Beyone that, you insufferable twit, many of these people are poor, uneducated, drug addicts and otherwise disenfranchised.
What about people who get a blood transusion and become infected?
But hey, you're' a Righty, and the milk of human kindness does not flow too freely though your veins.
...yes, you are very kind to people that have preventable diseases as long as you're using every one else's money.....we got that......