Latest Developments on Campaign Actions

In January, the US President, George Bush, declared AIDS a global emergency. Never before had an American President spoken so passionately about the issue in a national address. It seemed as though President Bush had finally heard the appeals of religious and humanitarian groups, AIDS activists and many others to mount a serious response to this crisis. It's an extraordinary tribute to the power of the global movement that the American president was finally moved to present a serious plan.

In the clear light of day, however, some troubling aspects of the plan have emerged that will require action from Congress -- as well as strong support from activists in Europe, Japan and elsewhere for more funds going to the Global Fund from their governments.

While the Bush Plan is certainly historic, millions may die before this help ever hits the ground. The President's plan slowly builds up assistance to Africa, while at the same time cutting the level of funding for the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, an innovative and efficient new mechanism. The vast majority of the funds are for programs the US itself will manage. Only about 5 percent of the new spending for intiative is requested in the president's budget for fiscal year 2004. You have to wonder, why did the President call his proposal an "Emergency Plan" if he is not ready to treat AIDS as, in fact, an emergency?

Even worse, the President has been putting pressure on the US Congress to scale back initiatives for more funds and for more balanced overall approach. He is insisting Congress adopt his slow-paced, unilateralist approach.

By contrast, the multilateral Fund has is giving out grants for effective programs -- and it's watching very carefully how the money is being used. But, the Fund is already running out of money!

What are we calling for? AIDS activists and advocates of all persuasions -- and from around the world -- have united behind a common set of policies they are urging the US support. Look it over -- it's a short piece that you will find informative and useful. Click HERE to see the text.

Now, click on our action messages to send an email appeal, and click on GET LOCAL for more ideas about how you can make a difference. Once you sign up for our network you will get regular -- but not too frequent -- action alerts and updates. Stay tuned for more info and ideas. Together we can make sure global AIDS programs really are fast and efficient.