OneWorld.net (U.S.)

OneWorld.net: Both John McCain and Barack Obama have pledged to make substantial commitments to global health issues. The Global Health Council takes a brief look at the differences in their proposals. [This article was originally published when Hilary Clinton was still contesting the Democratic nomination, so her stances are included as well.]

Two Nigerian girls participate in OneWorld TV's Learning About Living program, which uses ICTs to teach kids about HIV/AIDS. © OneWorld TV

• This article has been included in OneWorld.net's "Campaign '08" edition of Perspectives magazine, which examines where the major presidential candidates stand on key issues affecting all the world's people. Add your thoughts on the campaign today and get the background from experts on foreign policy, national security, foreign aid, global health, the environment, and much more.
• Both U.S. presidential candidates McCain and Obama have co-sponsored legislation to reauthorize the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which President Bush intends to sign into law. While both Senators have been applauded by HIV/AIDS activists for their support, "the candidates have done little to advance the bill's passage," argues the Lancet Global Health Network.
• Senator McCain has stated that one of his goals as President would be to eradicate malaria in Africa. Senator Obama has pledged to double funding for the President's Malaria Initiative.

2008 Presidential Race and the Future of Global Health

From: Global Health Council

U.S. global health activity has increased significantly under the current administration. Recent movement on PEPFAR Reauthorization and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) reflect the importance and successes of investment in this area. As the 2008 Presidential election unfolds, there is an opportunity to continue leadership in global health by the next President. Current Presidential candidates Senators John McCain, R-AZ, Barak Obama, D-IL, and Hilary Clinton, D-NY have pledged to make substantial commitments to global health:

• Reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis: Sens. Clinton and Obama pledge to expand funding to $50 billion by 2013 and 2012, respectively, to ensure universal access to treatment, prevention, and care. Sen. McCain supports the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Program (PEPFAR).
• Eradicate malaria: Sen. Clinton will commit $1 billion annually to achieve universal access to treatment and preventative measures, while Sen. Obama will expand access to mosquito nets and ACTs. Sen. McCain considers this one of his presidential goals.
• Improve child and maternal health: Sens. Clinton and Obama plan to improve this area through investments in nutrition, vaccinations and access to reproductive health programs. Sen. McCain supports expanding access to preventative health care, particularly in prenatal and child care.
• Food and clean water: Sen. Clinton seeks to meet the Millennium Development Goal by reducing the number of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation by 50 percent. Sen. Obama pledges to increase funding up to $1.3 billion per year for innovative programs, and expansion of access to clean water and sanitation. Sen. McCain supports investment in public-private partnerships to deliver clean water to 10 million Africans by 2010.