This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Currently, more than 1.1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, and more than 33 million individuals worldwide have the disease. While these numbers are daunting, the combination of rapid progress, better data and breakthrough science has opened a window of opportunity to end the AIDS epidemic.
This historic achievement requires commitment to organizations such as the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Tuberculosis.
The gains made thus far are incredible! Currently, 5.3 million people are receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV. In sub-Saharan Africa, 56 percent of people eligible for treatment receive it, an increase from less than 5 percent in 2000. In addition, ART makes HIV-infected patients dramatically less infectious to their uninfected partners.
In December, the U.S. is hosting a replenishment conference for the Global Fund. Poor and rich countries alike are doing their part — the U.S. should continue its support by pledging $5 billion over three years to the Global Fund.
As Dr. Mark Dybul, executive director of the Global Fund, says, "We have a choice: We can invest now, or pay forever."
Megan Dolle
RESULTS volunteer
Salt Lake City