'AIDS-free generation' possible with available tools for prevention, but not without political will

Jul 31 2012

Noting that "[t]he XIX International AIDS Conference [AIDS 2012] has just come to a close amid much talk of the beginning of the end of AIDS, turning the tide on HIV and even a potential cure," Julio Montaner, former president of the International AIDS Society (IAS) and director of the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, writes in a Globe and Mail opinion piece, "It is now more certain than ever that we have the tools, medicines and expertise to stop this epidemic." He continues, "However, without the political will to expand antiretroviral treatment to everyone in need, the audacious goals set before us in Washington last week will never be met and infection may spiral out of control once again." He writes, "Politicians have paid little more than lip service to supporting the rollout of antiretroviral treatment in their home countries and around the globe," and concludes, "Treatment as prevention represents the fundamental building block to achieve our goal. We must find the resolve to deliver on the promise of an 'AIDS-free generation'" (7/30).