August 14, 2006, XVI International AIDS ConferenceToronto, Canada
Remarks by Paulette Nicholas and Judith Auerbach
Available in Word and PDF

Science, Vol 305, Issue 5680, 17, 2 July 2004

By Adrienne Germain

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision in May 2004 not to allow over-the-counter sales of the morning-after pill, Plan B, is but one troubling example of the increasing impact of politics and ideology on science and health policy. The agency's ruling, contrary to recommendations from an external advisory panel and its own scientific staff, is indicative of the growing gap between common sense and U.S. policies affecting the well-being of women and girls worldwide.

The New York Times, October 15, 2003

Editorial Desk

In August, the United States Agency for International Development abruptly canceled bids for a program to market condoms to gay men and others in Brazil. When the decision was criticized publicly, the agency reinstated most of the program. This was the right choice. Preventing the spread of AIDS means working with the groups most at risk.

The New York Times, July 12, 2003 - Late Edition - Final

Editorial Desk

President Bush's successful trip to Africa this week is emblematic of alarger journey. As a presidential candidate, Mr. Bush was dismissive ofAfrica's importance to American interests. Now he has become only thethird American president, and the first Republican, to make an extendedvisit to sub-Saharan Africa. Over five days in five countries, headdressed a variety of important themes: the cruel legacy of slavery,the current crises in Liberia and Zimbabwe, and most important, thechallenge of AIDS and America's commitment to helping Africa fight itwith treatment and prevention programs that can save millions of lives.

International Herald Tribune, July 9, 2003

By Kati Marton and Adrienne Germain

Across the African subcontinent, almost 60 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS are girls and women. In South Africa, women are dying at such a rate that the entire gender balance is being altered—from near parity to a ratio of 120 males to every 100 females. The implications of the feminization of AIDS are huge—for caregiving, the health and wholeness of families, social stability, policies and programs.

The Miami Herald, March 31, 2003

By Adrienne Germain

President Bush's announcement of a $15 billion effort to fight HIV/AIDS in the worst affected countries may seem like a huge windfall, but when you witness the staggering impact of the disease on these countries, $15 billion starts to look more like a drop in the bucket. Unless Bush and Congress come up with a spending plan that reflects the depth and complexity of the crisis, that's exactly what it will continue to be.