U.S. Global Fund Commitment

• A Times of Trenton editorial looks at the work of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which is "estimated to have already saved 5 million lives, enables programs that prevent and treat infections, eliminate the transmission of HIV from pregnant women to their unborn children, contain the threat of multidrug-resistant TB, and eliminate malaria as a public health problem."

  After highlighting the "admirably efficient and life-saving work" of the Global Fund, the editorial states that "a U.S. commitment of $2 billion annually for three years [would be] a prudent move. By using the multilateral approach of the Global Fund, the United States has the power to leverage its contributions -- and its effectiveness. Because every dollar the United States contributes to the Global Fund is matched by other donors 2-1, this country has the opportunity to continue leading the world toward eradicating these diseases" (9/8).

• A Los Angeles Times editorial examines criticisms of President Barack Obama's HIV/AIDS efforts: "The critics aren't wrong, but they aren't entirely right either." The editorial looks at the Global Health Initiative and how Obama's "2011 budget dramatically increased spending on maternal and child health and malaria programs, but it also called for cutting the U.S. contribution to the Global Fund by $50 million, to $1 billion, and raising the budget for bilateral HIV/AIDS programs by just 3.6%."

  The editorial continues: "Neither Obama nor his predecessor showed due respect for the Global Fund, which is more efficient than most bilateral aid programs because its money goes directly to health systems in poor countries rather to than expensive U.S. contractors. ... The president should commit to generous annual funding increases to the Global Fund from now on" (9/7).

• A San Francisco Chronicle editorial asserts that "[s]ince taking office -- and facing a crushing recession -- Obama has moved slowly in the AIDS fight. While still spending billions, Obama hasn't increased budgets as he once pledged," including to the Global Fund. Though "[t]he money is important," so too "is Obama's leadership. Under Global Fund rules, other industrialized countries will double what Washington puts in. ... His words and actions carry weight, with the power to push other governments to action - or inaction," the newspaper writes.

  "The showdown is the latest test of Obama's resolve on AIDS pledges. No question, he's committed, but to what degree?" the editorial asks, concluding that "Obama has a chance to make a clear and unequivocal message. This country must continue to lead in battling AIDS both overseas and at home" (9/7).

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