International AIDS Conference Day 1: Dr. Koh Speaks on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy

This article was cross-posted from the AIDS.gov blog. Howard K. Koh, M.D., M.P.H., is Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

It is an honor to represent the Department of Health and Human Services and to be part of the U.S. Delegation at the 2010 International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria. On the opening day of the conference, I provided remarks at the session, A Discussion on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. A video of the entire session is below (courtesy of the Kaiser Family Foundation).

Last week was extraordinary when the Obama Administration unveiled a National HIV/AIDS Strategy and a framework for moving forward.

This Strategy was shaped by the voices of many, including those living with HIV, and pays tribute to those we have lost to this epidemic.

It reflects the passion and compassion of many dedicated people over the years. We are proud that it demonstrates the Administration's commitment to confront and overcome the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S.

This comprehensive, cross-government Strategy outlines immediate and short term actions the U.S. government will take to:

• Put our resources where HIV/AIDS is hitting communities the hardest;
• Put forward strategies that will achieve the greatest results; and
• Put evidence-based science first.

The Strategy represents an ambitious vision for the U.S. to achieve a more integrated and coordinated domestic response to the epidemic by realigning our programs, redirecting our resources and re-energizing national and local commitment.

Dr. Koh talking with Dr. Jack Stein, Senior Advisor to ONDCP.

As the Assistant Secretary for Health, I am now honored to be charged by our Secretary for Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, to coordinate and map out a more detailed implementation plan.

However, the U.S. Government cannot achieve the Strategy's goals alone. Achieving these essential goals will require unprecedented levels of coordination among U.S. Government agencies, with State and local government, and with leaders and colleagues throughout our country.

We have much to accomplish in the next 150 days to develop this detailed implementation plan. We look forward to working with you shoulder-to-shoulder. This Plan holds the promise for a healthy nation for the future.

Watch brief comments from Dr. Koh on the National HIV/AIDS Strategy:

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