U.S. Interferes with HIV and AIDS Prevention
by Bradford McIntyre
The United States government would
have the world believe it has been a major contributor in the
fight against AIDS but many are unaware of the harmful tactics
and funding shortfalls.
Throughout the world people affected
by and infected with HIV, as well as the many people and organizations
involved in HIV and AIDS prevention; they are aware of the often
detrimental effects the United States government’s interference
has and continues to have on HIV and AIDS prevention efforts.
The constant bullying by the U.S.
government can be seen in far too many areas; leaving the world
way behind of where it should and could be in preventing the spread
of HIV and AIDS!
Now the Bush government takes
aim at needle exchange programs with a ban on the use of federal
funds for needle exchange and is bullying the United Nations into
withdrawing support for needle exchange programs.
“Silencing the United
Nations on needle exchange is deadly diplomacy. The United States
should be encouraging proven HIV prevention strategies, not attacking
them.” Jonathan Cohen of Human Rights Watch’s
HIV/AIDS Program.
HIV and AIDS Prevention programs in the United States
and around the world have been negatively affected and HIV/AIDS
organizations know only to well the repercussions of bullying
when the U.S. government cut funding to those promoting and providing
access to condoms!
“Whether it's sex or drugs,
the United States is exporting an abstinence-only agenda to countries
hard hit by HIV/AIDS,” said Joanne Csete, executive
director of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. “If
governments do not stand up to this bullying, millions will pay
the price.”
What is necessary; is to have the United States
government start contributing the actual funding it says it will
provide and follow a worldwide view of how best to stop the spread
of HIV and AIDS. And stop the bullying!
Then we can all move forward and really tackle this
epidemic. United; all working together!
For more information:
Human Rights News:
An Open Letter to the delegates of the Forty-eighth
session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
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