AIDS Action Welcomes White House Declaration: AIDS/HIV Threatens National Security

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Washington, DC -- AIDS Action today applauded the White House for its declaration that AIDS poses a serious threat to national security. This marks the first time in history that a battle against a global disease will be spearheaded by the National Security Council.

"Two years ago AIDS Action gave this administration an 'F' for its international efforts in combating global AIDS and HIV," said Claudia French, acting executive director for AIDS Action. "They've clearly been doing their homework."

"The administration realizes that when militaries are devastated, and when industry loses workers, countries can become destabilized. If this didn't grab our attention while it was happening in Africa, the possibility of a destabilized Southeast Asia has made us take notice," said French.

On a Sunday talk show, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) responded negatively to the White House declaration, accusing President Clinton of "trying to make an appeal to certain groups."

French rejected Senator Lott's comments. "I can't imagine what it will take to convince Senator Lott that this is more important than politics. His comments boggle the mind. If he's concerned that the president was trying to appeal to gay and lesbian groups during the Millennium March on Washington, then he hasn't a clue how HIV is spreading in Africa," said French.

"As the Vice President told the UN in January, the number of people who will die of AIDS in the first decade of the 21st century will rival the number that died in all the wars in all the decades of the 20th century. This is a time for action, not politics," French said.