Does Obama’s new HIV/AIDS plan apply to the rest of the world too?

Well goodness. I wish I had been able to see the new White House National HIV/AIDS Strategy a few weeks back, while writing about Barack Obama’s international approach to the disease. Unveiled yesterday, the strategy calls for a new emphasis on prevention, reducing the number of new cases in the United States by 25 percent ...

By , International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for Colombia.
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Alex Wong/Getty Images
Alex Wong/Getty Images

Well goodness. I wish I had been able to see the new White House National HIV/AIDS Strategy a few weeks back, while writing about Barack Obama's international approach to the disease. Unveiled yesterday, the strategy calls for a new emphasis on prevention, reducing the number of new cases in the United States by 25 percent annually. It emphasizes an access to drugs, and particular care and attention for vulnerable communities, where infection is more prevelant. Finally and perhaps most importantly (if the program is to work,) the plan calls for various agencies of the U.S. government to work together to get things done. (Yup, that sounds obvious, but it also obviously doesn't always happen.)

Well goodness. I wish I had been able to see the new White House National HIV/AIDS Strategy a few weeks back, while writing about Barack Obama’s international approach to the disease. Unveiled yesterday, the strategy calls for a new emphasis on prevention, reducing the number of new cases in the United States by 25 percent annually. It emphasizes an access to drugs, and particular care and attention for vulnerable communities, where infection is more prevelant. Finally and perhaps most importantly (if the program is to work,) the plan calls for various agencies of the U.S. government to work together to get things done. (Yup, that sounds obvious, but it also obviously doesn’t always happen.)

What does this portend for international policy? I can only speculate, but based on my reporting a few weeks ago, I would say: a lot. 

The emphasis on prevention is certainly something that is mirrored in the international approach, and here, we get a sneak peak into the range of tactics that might include: abstinence, more HIV testing, condom availability, needle exchange programs for drug users, and treatment (which also has a protective value in lowering chances of spreading the disease.) There is also an awareness in the plan of the social impact of the disease (and a promise to help with things such as affordable housing), something all too visible in regions such as Southern Africa, where entire societal structures have been uprooted by the disappearance and illness of so many working-age adults.  Finally, the clear call for U.S. government agencies to work together would be welcome in the international scene as well, and a similar "whole of government" approach looks likely to happen.

Interestingly, the National Plan was introduced almost in tandem with a July 13 United Nations strategy, "Treatment 2.0," that lays out what the organization believes to be the most effective (and cost-effective) tactics for the next stage of battle against the disease: Working to develop better drugs at lower prices; using treatment as prevention; boosting health systems and HIV testing; and getting communities involved in the effort. Different from the Obama plan, certainly, but also not in opposition to it.

So now, I’m waiting for the international plan. In the meantime, here’s my best shot at what it will look like.

Elizabeth Dickinson is International Crisis Group’s senior analyst for Colombia.

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