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Welcome Message

Dear Friend:

The outcome of the 2008 presidential campaign is going to shape this country's role in the world for years to come. And now is the time to ensure that the next President understands the vital importance of strong US leadership in the fight against global AIDS.

The Global AIDS Alliance Fund is unique in our willingness to make bold, progressive demands and hold US leaders accountable. We're one of the only organizations focusing much-needed attention on women's health and rights. And we won't back away from calling on the next President to commit an additional 1% of the US budget annually to fight global AIDS and extreme poverty.

Since launching in May 2007, we've called on the candidates—Democrats and Republicans alike—to endorse a plan of action that includes the following:

  • At least $50 billion in US funding over five years to provide lifesaving AIDS medications to millions of people in need. (The US is currently spending close to $12 billion per month on the war in Iraq.)
  • A science-based HIV prevention strategy that reflects the realities of people's lives.
  • Care and support for orphans and vulnerable children, including access to free basic education.
  • Measures to empower women and girls and integrate reproductive health and HIV/AIDS services.
  • Increased investments to strengthen essential health systems and retain health workers.
  • A new cabinet-level agency to fight global AIDS and poverty.

Seven of the leading Democratic candidates have already signed our Presidential Pledge for Leadership on Global AIDS and Poverty: Senators Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, John Edwards, and Barack Obama; Governor Bill Richardson; and Congressman Dennis Kucinich. And we're now focusing our efforts on encouraging the Republicans candidates to make a public commitment to extending and expanding President Bush’s commitment to fighting global AIDS. (Current plans for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief would essentially flat-line US funding for global AIDS programs and significantly reduce our commitment to providing treatment for millions of people in the world's poorest countries.)

With an estimated 5,700 people dying of AIDS and nearly 7,000 new HIV infections each day, the time for action is now!

We welcome your partnership in this critical struggle.

In solidarity,

Dr. Paul Zeitz
GAA Fund Executive Director