AIDS.gov blog publishes posts leading up to World AIDS Day

Nov 30 2012

Leading up to World AIDS Day on December 1, the AIDS.gov blog published several pieces discussing progress in reaching the goal of an AIDS-free generation. The pieces are summarized below.

• Deborah Derrick: "PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria have become the world's most powerful force in the fight against HIV/AIDS, working together to drastically increase antiretroviral coverage, build capacity, and save and improve millions of lives," Derrick, president of Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, writes, concluding, "Continued robust support for both will be the key to reaching an important public health goal: an AIDS-free generation" (11/28).
• Ariel Pablos Mendez: "The successes we are seeing now [in global health] would not have been achieved without the shared responsibility and partnerships that have been forged over the years -- most important of which are those with our implementing partners," Pablos Mendez, USAID assistant administrator for global health, writes, adding, "But to make an AIDS-free generation a reality, we must continue to come together inclusively -- understanding our strengths, contributions and the roles we each play in the response." He concludes, "By working together at all ... levels, we can foster functioning health systems with country ownership and sustainability, and reach our goal of an AIDS-free generation" (11/28).
• Gayle Smith and Grant Colfax: Smith, special assistant to the President and senior director at the National Security Council, and Colfax, director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, review "what's been achieved [in 2012] and what remains to be done to meet the goal of an AIDS-free generation." They highlight upcoming World AIDS Day events, the XIX International AIDS Conference held in Washington, D.C., in July, ongoing partnerships, and progress in addressing the epidemic domestically. They conclude, "More needs to be accomplished in the domestic and global fight against HIV. But by following the science, making smarter investments, and supporting a sustained, collective response, we are making tangible progress" (11/28).