President Obama spoke on the need to renew the world’s commitment to ending HIV/AIDS by 2015, during a (RED) sponsored event in Washington, D.C. today, on World AIDS Day. Obama was joined by former President George W. Bush and former President Bill Clinton, with other world leaders appearing via satellite.
“Obama announced an additional $15 million for the Ryan White program that supports HIV medical clinics and $35 million for state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs,” Michael Lavers at Edge on the Net reported from the event, adding:
“The federal government can’t do this alone,” said the president, stressing the need for these additional commitments. “I’m also calling on state governments, pharmaceutical companies and private foundations to do their part to help Americans get access to all the life-saving treatments.”
The president also praised former President George W. Bush for his efforts to combat the global epidemic. The Bush administration committed $15 billion to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to further combat the global AIDS epidemic. Obama described this funding as “an extraordinary legacy.”
“That program – more ambitious than even leading advocates thought was possible at the time – has saved hundreds of thousands of lives, spurred international action, and laid the foundation for a comprehensive global plan that will impact the lives of millions,” said Obama. “We are proud to carry that work forward.”
The president also announced new targets to further combat the spread of the global epidemic. These include providing anti-retroviral drugs to more than 1.5 million pregnant women with HIV over the next two years. Obama received a sustained standing ovation when he said his administration has set a goal to get six million people with HIV on anti-retroviral treatment by the end of 2013.
“We need to keep refining our strategy so that we’re saving as many lives as possible,” said Obama. “We need to listen when the scientific community focuses on prevention. That’s why, as a matter of policy, we’re now investing in what works, from medical procedures to promoting healthy behavior.
Â