Contra Costa Times

Letters from our readers
Contra Costa Times
Tuesday, December 27, 2011

U.S. pledge is helping to beat HIV, AIDS

Foreign aid is less than 1 percent of our budget. The amount we give proves that the United States is willing to help create a more stable and prosperous life for all people.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria has proved to be the most effective organization to fight these diseases. The United States has pledged $4 billion over three years to the Global Fund.

AIDS has killed more than 30 million people and orphaned millions of children over 30 years, and currently 34 million people are living with HIV/AIDS.

Thanks to U.S. participation in the Global Fund, the AIDS pandemic has now leveled off, and the number of new cases is dropping. New medical advances and treatments could stop the spread if we keep our pledge.

It is the only way some countries will be able to overcome the economic hardship of losing a generation to HIV/AIDS.

Bill Nicholson
Martinez