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| “What should be done is not complicated. But it requires leadership, a plan,
and the national resolve to implement it.” |
| ~ National Commission on AIDS, 1993 |
AIDS PAC Policy Framework
Recognizing the importance of promoting a non-partisan perspective on federal AIDS policy, the American AIDS PAC has chosen to embrace the work of the National; Commission on AIDS. The following Commission recommendations provide the basis of AIDS PAC’s support of federal office candidates, voting records, and voter education efforts.
Mobilizing a Response to AIDS
As the Commission recommended, AIDS PAC urges the development of a comprehensive national plan to fight the epidemic. Such a plan must be rooted in meaningful coordination between all federal agencies, state and local governments, communities of people with HIV, advocates, service
providers, and industry.
Educating America
A critical aspect of political leadership must be a commitment to fight the discrimination and stigma experienced by individuals with HIV and AIDS. Effective prevention of the further spread of HIV, and appropriate provision of health and social services to those living with the disease, depend on creating a knowledgeable citizenry acting out of humane concern, not out of unfounded fears and prejudice.
Prevention
Prevention of HIV transmission requires aggressive, well-funded education and behavior-change interventions targeted both to communities at risk and to individuals
within those communities. Messages to such communities and individuals about HIV transmission, sexual behaviors, and injection drug use must be direct and guided by sound public health principles.
Research
Better coordination and planning of basic biomedical and clinical research into HIV disease is needed. Rapid dissemination of emerging treatment protocols to primary care providers must continue to improve. Vaccine development efforts must fully incorporate necessary behavioral research components and must include an assessment of related behavioral, social, and ethical considerations.
Care
People with HIV disease need access to a full range of preventive, medical, and social support services, including housing. Implementation of this coordinated system can be accomplished, in part, through full funding of the Ryan White CARE Act.