For Immediate Release
WHO: Dozens of local medical students, health professionals and concerned citizens
WHAT: Rally for Domestic and Global AIDS Funding. The rally is part of a coordinated effort of dozens of HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations calling on Congressional leaders to fulfill US commitments to global AIDS initiatives. From June 30-July 7, activists in cities across the country are targeting members of the US Senate Appropriations Committee, urging them to increase funding levels for global and domestic AIDS programs. This event is co-sponsored by Physicians for Human Rights; American Medical Student Association; Our Bodies, Ourselves; Health Care for All.
WHEN: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 12:30 pm
WHERE: Beacon Hill, Steps of State Capitol Building**Please Note Location Change
VISUALS: Dozens of medical students and health professionals in white coats in front of State Capitol Building. Giant counter tallying the number of new HIV infections and AIDS deaths in the US and around the world every 9.5 minutes.
WHY: Every 9.5 minutes, there is one new HIV infection in the US and 45 new HIV infections worldwide. Every 9.5 minutes, there are 36 AIDS-related deaths worldwide.
Congressional appropriators are in the process of setting funding levels for global and domestic HIV/AIDS programs. Levels under consideration are drastically short of what is needed to fulfill US commitments to fight AIDS at home and abroad. The Senate Appropriations Committee is schedule to consider global AIDS funding levels on Wednesday, July 8.
President Obama's new global health initiative calls for $63 billion over six years for all global health programs. Physicians for Human Rights estimates that the HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria programs supported by PEPFAR alone need at least $60 billion over six years. PHR also estimates that a total of at least $95 billion over six years is needed for all of the global health initiatives outlined in President Obama's plan and to meet all US global health commitments.
Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) is a New York-based advocacy organization that uses science and medicine to prevent mass atrocities and severe human rights violations. Learn more here.