'Big Push' needed to ensure political will necessary to maintain progress against AIDS, TB, malaria

Sep 26 2012

"[W]hat will the day be like when we finally defeat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria?" Arianna Huffington, president and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post Media Group, asks in the Huffington Post's "The Big Push" blog. "[W]ith the launch today of The Big Push campaign -- co-sponsored by the Global Fund [to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria] and the Huffington Post -- this might be more than a thought exercise ... because the progress that's been made against these diseases in only the last 10 years has been so staggering that we may actually be in sight of the day when no child is born with HIV, nobody dies of malaria and we stop the spread of tuberculosis," she continues and provides some statistics.

"Of course, this didn't just happen. It's a testament to the amazing dedication, hard work, and perseverance of organizations like the Global Fund, PEPFAR and many more, along with the leaders of the U.S. and the G20," Huffington writes, adding, "But though great progress has been made, we can't let up now -- not when the end is in sight." She continues, "We need one more big push to help ensure that the political will for the final stage of the battle stays strong," and says, "The Big Push campaign is our chance to get the attention of decision-makers and make sure they seize this opportunity to make history in global health." She concludes, "The progress we've made so far has come thanks to millions of individuals, using their collective effort and power and voices. Please add yours by joining The Big Push to help finally win the battle against AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis" (9/24).