U.S. Bullying Interferes With HIV/AIDS Prevention

U.S. Bullying Interferes With HIV and AIDS Prevention

The United States government would have the world believe it has been a major contributor in the fight against AIDS but many are unaware of the harmful tactics and funding shortfalls.

Throughout the world people infected with HIV, those affected, as well as the people and organizations involved in HIV and AIDS prevention, they are aware of the often detrimental effects the United States government's interference has and continues to have on HIV and AIDS prevention issues.

The constant bullying by the US government can be seen in far too many areas; leaving the world way behind of where it should and could be in preventing the spread of HIV and AIDS.

Bullying in the areas of and affecting freedom of speech and Human rights. In the area of HIV/AIDS research, access is often denied to government research, studies and trial documents. In the area of stigma and discrimination, a US travel ban is in place, preventing HIV+ individuals from entering the United States. Fueling discrimination! Along with preventing International AIDS conferences from being held in the United States!

Within the United States and around the world, people infected with HIV have found it difficult to access to the drugs necessary to combat opportunistic infections or life saving antiretroviral drugs. US policies and drug patents have meant that people throughout the world have been waiting year after year, (two decades for many) for access to affordable HIV and AIDS drugs.

Now the Bush government takes aim at needle exchange programs with a ban on the use of federal funds for needle exchange and is bullying the United Nations into withdrawing support for needle exchange programs.

"Silencing the United Nations on needle exchange is deadly diplomacy. The United States should be encouraging proven HIV prevention strategies, not attacking them." Jonathan Cohen of Human Rights Watch's HIV/AIDS Program

Those offering HIV and AIDS Prevention programs in the US and around the world have been negatively affected and know only to well the repercussions of bullying when the US government cut funding to those promoting and providing access to condoms!

"Whether it's sex or drugs, the United States is exporting an abstinence-only agenda to countries hard hit by HIV/AIDS," said Joanne Csete, executive director of the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network. "If governments do not stand up to this bullying, millions will pay the price."

What is necessary, is to have the United States government start contributing the actual funding it says it will provide and follow a worldwide view of how best to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS. And stop the bullying!

Maybe then we can all move forward and really tackle this epidemic. United, all working together!


Bradford McIntyre, HIV+ since 1984
Canada