Although Thompson has stated that AIDS requires the "magnitude of the Marshall Plan," which brought substantial US financing to post-WWII Europe, his actions at the WHA have fallen far short of this pronouncement.

Yesterday, Thompson pledged allegiance to a group of representatives of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations, saying, "I want you to understand I'm fighting your fight for you. The Brazilians, they want this drug database."

Later, IFPMA ejected Brazilian government representatives from a press conference where they sought to discredit the highly successful Brazilian program of AIDS medication production, importation and distribution, which has cut their AIDS death rate by over half. There was also a delay in distribution to two key resolutions on drugs access sponsored by Brazil, reportedly due to US interference, that left delegates from across the world scrambling for copies.

"The US is using a series of dirty tricks to do the bidding of industry," added Paul Davis of the Health GAP Coalition, "Instead of fighting AIDS, they are fighting off sound public health measures in the face of an escalating global crisis."

While delegations from poorer nations consist of one or two officials, the US delegation headed by Thompson includes over 20 members and advisors, including Jeanne Head, UN lobbyist of the International Right to Life Federation. Representatives from the American Public Health Association, the American Medical Association, and other key public health professionals who usually participate as part of the US delegation were told their services are not needed.

Asia Russell of the Health GAP Coalition asked, "Is the Bush Administration working towards the cause of global health, or for the drug industry and pro-lifers? He acts as if limited charitable reductions in the prices of some drugs will solve a global epidemic. Regarding HIV prevention, Thompson at the WHA has only talked about abstinence ­ as if it is the only way to prevent HIV."

"These purposeful oversights and lapses are costing lives," she added. "The Bush Administration is throwing public health data out the window. Why should they care if abstinence counseling doesn't work?"

AIDS activist have called for public protest, focusing on the US stance on AIDS treatment, care, and prevention, on June 23, 2001, right before the opening of the UN General Assembly Special Session on HIV/AIDS.

BACKGROUND:

US AND THE FUND

At WHA, the Bush Administration has highlighted its stated intention to lobby for donations from corporations, in an effort to deflect overall attention from the paltry US contribution with an infusion of corporate charity. Already the lack of commitment from the Bush Administration to the UN Fund has had a chilling effect, as other G-8 nations have de-emphasized their support of the fund, or have announced significant reductions in the amounts of earlier donation proposals.

DELAY IN CIRCULATIONS OF RESOLUTIONS FROM BRAZIL AFTER U.S. COMPLAINTS

On Wednesday, there was an unprecedented delay in distribution of two resolutions from Brazil, regarding drug access, after the US vocally opposed the resolutions. This specifically violates WHA mandates, which state that all resolutions must be distributed with 24 hours notice to all delegates.

The first resolution, concerning the need for WHO to encourage member states to provide treatment for HIV, the use of global fund for AIDS to include support for treatment, and the establishment of a drug database to assist countries in their efforts (see Drug Database, below).

The second resolution addressed the WHO Revised Drug Strategy on the need for different prices for drugs, according to the resources and health needs of different nations

"After the United States decried these resolutions, delegates had to fight to get a copy to even see them," explained Rob Weissman of Health GAP. "Itıs no secret that the US is on a full offensive against Brazil, and the costs are open debate, full disclosure of information and, ultimately, lives."

DRUG DATABASE

Delegation advisor William Steiger, special assistant to Thompson, has cited easily debunked concerns about price collusion and US anti-monopoly laws as reasons to deny this essential tool to the world community. In addition, the US has stated that it is not the role of the WHO to be a clearinghouse for price information, even though this proposal is a key component of efforts to extend life-saving medication to the 50% of world residents with virtually no access to medication.

This is the second year that the US has worked against WHO's creation of an accessible database of worldwide drug prices, providing crucial data for cash-strapped countries. Last year, the US led and won the fight to weaken Brazil's initial amendment.

"This common-sense tool could offer poor countries significant buying power, but remains unacceptable to the multi-national pharmaceutical interests crawling the halls at the Assembly," said ACT UP's Paul Davis. "A simple database, updated regularly, would expose shocking price differences between patented and generic AIDS drugs."

In many countries with generic competition, the price of patented drugs remains as much as 95% higher than the price of generic medicines. Much-touted price reduction offers from AIDS drug patent holders continue to place prices above generics and the vast majority of offers are extremely limited in geographical scope and only apply to government purchasing.

HEALTH GAP COALITION DEMANDS THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION: