Global Health Council Forum Calls for Funds to Curb Mother-To-Child HIV Transmission
International AIDS advocates at a forum in Nashville, Tenn., on Monday called on lawmakers to fund a global AIDS prevention program targeting women and children. The program, which is supported by the Global Health Council and Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), includes measures to reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission, provide prenatal care and offer voluntary HIV testing and counseling. At the forum, titled "Protecting Infants from HIV: Nashville and Beyond," Global Health Council President Nils Daulaire said, "A financial commitment from the United States could mean the difference between life and death for millions. We should assure that children get the basic care they need, and that their HIV-infected mothers be first in line for treatment and care." Frist, who also addressed forum participants, said that "AIDS has killed million[s] of innocent people, and will continue to do so unless aggressive steps are taken to end this epidemic. Today's forum is a good example of how open communication can build leaderships that will be instrumental in saving the lives of what's becoming a lost generation." Irish rock star and HIV/AIDS advocate Bono also addressed the forum about his recent "Heart of America" tour, and Dr. Stephen Raffanti, executive director of Nashville's Comprehensive Care Center, also spoke (Global Health Council release, 12/9).
A kaisernetwork.org HealthCast of this event is available online.