AIDS Fears Become Reality
As Death Decline Slows By 50%

Contact: media@aidsaction.org or call: 202-530-8030

Washington, D.C. -- New data released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing a 50% drop in the rate of decline of AIDS deaths confirms the weaknesses of current AIDS treatments as well as the need for better health care access. According to the CDC, from 1997 to 1998, AIDS deaths dropped by 20%, half of the 42% drop from 1996 to 1997. This represents the lowest decline in AIDS deaths of the protease drug era.

"Our worst fears have become a tragic reality," said Steven Fisher, director of communications. "For the first time, our concerns about current AIDS treatments are confirmed by a leading epidemic indicator. AIDS drugs don't work for everyone and aren't a cure for anyone."

To ensure a reversal of this new trend, AIDS Action is urging better access to treatment for the under- and uninsured as well as a stronger commitment to research and fair pricing from the pharmaceutical industry. The slowing death decline also underscores the need for stopping new HIV infections in the first place. AIDS Action has been urging reinvigorated national HIV prevention to slow the 40,000 new HIV infections each year.

AIDS Action is deeply concerned about the high price of AIDS drugs as well as how pharmaceutical companies fail to adequately direct their record profits to research and lower prices. In the past year, direct consumer advertising has increased at a rate three times higher than spending for R&D (54% vs. 17%). Just as disturbing, Americans pay more for prescription drugs than those in other countries. The average $10 prescription in Britain costs $8 in France, $14.50 in Germany and $18 in the United States.

"While the federal government ensures appropriate levels of research funding, the pharmaceutical industry is failing to make a parallel commitment," added Fisher. "By reducing advertising budgets and lowering prices, pharmaceutical companies can ensure better drugs and better access to them."

AIDS Action is also concerned that AIDS death and incidence rates are 10 times higher among African Americans than among whites. This disparity underscores the need for improved demographic targeting in the war on AIDS that ensures better access to care, treatment and services.