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I believe that the global AIDS crisis is the central global justice issue of our time. Worldwide, the people who are most vulnerable to HIV/AIDS are those who are marginalized and oppressed. Indeed, AIDS is inextricably linked with other social justice issues such as poverty and gender inequity. The fact that only 7% of Africans who urgently need antiretroviral treatment are receiving such treatment is perhaps the most glaring injustice associated with HIV/AIDS. As Nelson Mandela has said, "If we discard those who are dying from AIDS, then we can no longer call ourselves people."

I also believe that the AIDS crisis can be solved.  It is simply a matter of political will.  And that’s where the Global AIDS Alliance is playing a critically important role.  Since our founding in March 2001, GAA has devoted itself to mobilizing the political will—and the financial resources—needed to mount a comprehensive response to the global AIDS pandemic.  In particular, we believe the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria offers a critical vehicle for accelerating progress against HIV/AIDS.  An incremental, piecemeal approach simply cannot hope to turn the tide against a disease that has already killed over 25 million people and infects nearly 12,000 more every day.

Finally, I believe that the United States has a special obligation to take the lead in the fight against global AIDS.  First, as an economic powerhouse responsible for one-third of the world’s economic wealth, it is essential that the US contribute its fair share to help the poor countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS manage and reverse this human tragedy.  But even more fundamentally, I think it’s essential that America remain true to the generous humanitarian instinct that has made this country a beacon of hope for people across the globe.  (Of course, US funds should empower affected communities to design prevention, treatment, and care programs that reflect their own needs and priorities.)

In just a few short years, GAA has made significant progress in the fight against AIDS, and I encourage you to browse our website to find out more about the work we’re doing.  The staff and board of directors of the Global AIDS Alliance are incredibly hard-working, committed individuals, and we are joined in our work by a growing network of civil-society organizations (and funders) who support our efforts to achieve an expanded, comprehensive response to global HIV/AIDS.

But we cannot win this fight alone.  Ultimately, we need concerned individuals like yourself to get involved in the fight against AIDS—whether by emailing a member of Congress, writing your local newspaper, or making a contribution to the Global AIDS Alliance or one of the many other worthwhile organizations working on this issue.  With nearly 8,000 people dying each day and another child orphaned every 14 seconds, it is essential that we harness the power of the people in the fight against AIDS.

We welcome your partnership in this critical struggle.

Click here for a May 2007 article about Paul Zeitz in The DO magazine.
Click here to read a December 1, 2006, Boston Globe op-ed by Paul Zeitz.
Click here to read a November 2006 article in Bethesda Magazine about Paul Zeitz and his family.
Click here to read a November 2003 Newsweek commentary by Paul Zeitz.