Areas Most Affected by HIV/AIDS Need Improved Health Infrastructure, Access to Basic Care, Editorial Says
Although global efforts to curb the HIV/AIDS pandemic have "gained traction," the "lackluster participation" from national leaders at the XV International AIDS Conference earlier this month gives evidence that the financial commitment necessary to fight AIDS "might not be forthcoming," a Providence Journal editorial says. Increased financial contributions to global efforts are needed to provide education and antiretroviral drugs to as many people as possible, the editorial says. Although drug companies should "be compensated for the products they develop, ... our leaders should work to help as many people as possible get treatment" and should support the use of generic antiretroviral drugs, which are cheaper and "seem to be proving their worth," the editorial says. However, one of the "biggest challenges ahead," is to improve health infrastructure and basic health care in developing countries most affected by HIV/AIDS, the editorial says. Without doing so, "these nations will struggle simply not to lose ground," the editorial concludes (Providence Journal, 7/27).