Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS Issues First Recommendations to President Bush

Washington, DC -- The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (the Council) today issued its first set of recommendations to President Bush and HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. These were offered as supplements to its September, 2000 report, AIDS: No Time To Spare.

The recommendations urged:

• Support for the Minority AIDS Initiative Against HIV/AIDS.

• Increased appropriation for US and global HIV/AIDS programs in FY2002.

• Support for the Early Treatment of HIV Act of 2001 (HR2063).
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• Rapid development and distribution of HIV vaccines and microbicides.

• Improved coordination and continued leadership in the global fight against AIDS.

• Improved dissemination of factual and truthful educational information regarding HIV prevention and sexual health.

"This Council has worked diligently to provide its best advice on how to ensure continued leadership on the most urgent crisis facing the human family: HIV/AIDS," said Ronald Dellums, Chairperson of the Council and former Member of Congress. "Our original report and these new recommendations provide a blueprint for action to the new Administration," he continued.

The recommendations were presented to a representative of Secretary Thompson at the conclusion of the final meeting of the Council's current membership. Former President Clinton chartered the Council in 1995. The Council has asked that a written response be made within thirty days. The Council shared its disappointment that the Secretary was unable to attend the meeting as scheduled. It received an apology and an assurance that the Secretary would maintain an "open door" policy with those working on and living with HIV/AIDS.

Scott Evertz, the new director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, met with the Council briefly and expressed the Administration's commitment to continue some form of citizen participation in its formulation of HIV/AIDS policies. He also announced that a newly formed Cabinet-level task force would be meeting this afternoon, chaired by Secretary Thompson and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The previous reports, as well as copies of the most recent set of recommendations, are available on the Council's web site at www.pacha.gov and at www.cdcnpin.org/report.htm.

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This article was provided by AIDS Action Council.