OneWorld.net (U.S.)

WASHINGTON (Feb 2) -- President Bush today proposed a total of $2.7 billion for programs to fight global AIDS, TB and Malaria in 2005. Just 7% ($200 million) of the total would go to the Global Fund, a partnership headed by the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson. The amount for the Fund represents a 63% cut in funding compared to 2004 ($550 million).

"This budget shows the President is in denial about the scale of the crisis," stated Dr. Paul Zeitz, Executive Director of the Global AIDS Alliance. "By putting almost all funds (93%) into U.S.-controlled programs, the President shows he is so concerned about being upstaged by the Fund that he is willing to destroy it. This is deeply misguided. The Fund helps many countries that are left out of the Bush program, including places where AIDS is rapidly expanding."

"The World Health Organization also needs additional resources, not included in this budget, to fully execute its vital scientific and technical role in expanding access to AIDS treatment," noted Zeitz. "WHO is multilateralism at its best, and we should be supporting it."

Last December, eighteen national religious leaders wrote to the President to call for $5.4 billion in spending in 2005. This amount includes a third of the cost of the basic AIDS services the UN says could be effectively delivered. The leaders also appealed for full support for the Global Fund, to which Europe is by far the largest donor.

"We hope Congress amends the President's proposal by increasing resources, in particular for the Fund, for WHO, and for orphans programs," noted Zeitz. "But, it will not be easy. To give the Fund a one-third contribution, Congress will have to provide six times the President's request."

The Global Fund has stated that it needs $3.6 billion by 2005. The Administration proposal would meet just 6% of this resource need.

Three years ago the U.S. and other nations signed a UN declaration promising financing for a package of basic AIDS services by 2005. "Today's announcement shows that the White House is prepared to break this solemn promise, by providing less than half of its fair share," noted Dr. Zeitz. "Fears that the Bush Administration would fail to live up to the UN Declaration of Commitment now appear justified."

"It's also disturbing to see the underfunding of programs in the United States," stated Zeitz. "It makes no sense that in the wealthiest nation in the world there are hundreds of people on waiting lists for affordable AIDS treatment."