AIDS Action Council calls US Senate moves inadequate

The US Senate Appropriations Committee has recommended "a very modest" overall increase for domestic HIV/AIDS care and treatment programs and flat funding for treatment education and training and domestic HIV prevention programs, says the AIDS Action Council, noting that this is much less than recommendations from the House of Representatives subcommittee and significantly below the then actual needs for HIV/AIDS care, treatment, education and prevention programs. The Senate Committee's recommended funding is inadequate overall to meet the growing needs of those living with HIV/AIDS in the USA, the Council argues.

There are estimated to be more than half a million people in the USA who are infected with HIV but are not in medical care. At least half of that number, 250,000 or more, is unaware of their HIV status. People under 25 years of age account for around half of new HIV infections. African Americans and Latinos together make up over 60% of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Rebecca Haag, executive director of the AIDS Action Council, stated: "we are very dismayed that the Senate Bill contains $30.0 million for the new Early Diagnosis Grant Program, for which no state is currently eligible, while providing no increased funding for HIV preventions programs or funding for increased HIV testing and counseling. AIDS Action Council does, however, commend the Senate Committee for cutting by $28.0 million funding for community- based abstinence-only programs. These programs have been shown to be ineffective and should be replaced with educational programs that are comprehensive and scientifically sound."