ACT V Welcomes Release of "The PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-free Generation;" Calls for Funding to Implement AIDS Endgame

Achieving an AIDS-free generation requires President Obama's leadership and funding commitments from Congress

NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced the release of "The PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-free Generation." Modeling contained in the report shows that by applying the tools and knowledge we have, it is possible to have a generation with no new HIV infections, no AIDS-related deaths and no children orphaned because their parents died of AIDS.

"The Blueprint establishes the extraordinary opportunity we have to end AIDS. But it means little unless is it implemented," said Paul Zeitz, Vice President of Policy for ACT V. "We ask that President Obama build on his leadership on HIV/AIDS in his first term by ramping up investments in PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Specific targets and resources must also be identified quickly to facilitate front-loaded investments if we are to achieve an AIDS-free generation. America's leadership influences the global trend of funding for the fight against AIDS; therefore, aggressively supporting the Blueprint's implementation could make President Obama the President to End AIDS."

The end of AIDS is possible in part because the same treatment that sustains the health of people with HIV reduces—by 96%—the chance the virus can spread. When more people are tested and treated for HIV, the rates of new infections and AIDS-related deaths decline. The right levels of upfront investments today will spare many lives and dollars in days to come. 

While resolving America's federal debt crisis will likely involve cuts to aid programs, cutting AIDS funding does not measurably impact federal solvency. Since all monies allocated for foreign aid represent less than 1% of the total federal budget, eviscerating U.S. foreign aid in general, and for HIV/AIDS in particular, will lead to the deaths of millions of people. Conversely, larger investments today to stop can free future resources to be applied to other global challenges.

"Secretary Clinton's calling for The PEPFAR Blueprint is evidence of her unflagging commitment to strong health care systems at home and abroad and reflects her support of people with HIV/AIDS," said Leigh Blake, President of ACT V. "By showing the world that AIDS can be overcome—and specifically how—the Blueprint heightens the moral imperative for those with the power to enter the endgame of AIDS to do so. Continued investments and visible leadership on HIV/AIDS in President Obama's second term would send a powerful signal to the world that now is the moment to finish the fight against AIDS."

About ACT V
ACT V: The End of AIDS (www.actfive.org; T: @actfive; FB: actfive) aims to accelerate the end of the AIDS pandemic by supporting universal access to prevention, antiretroviral treatment and high quality health care to all who are vulnerable to or living with HIV/AIDS.

Media Contact:
Regan Hofmann
Communications Director
202-365-6786
[email protected]

SOURCE ACT V: The End of AIDS