Pay Now or Pay More Later

November 28, 2001 (Washington, DC) - The Global AIDS Alliance today issued a new report titled, "Pay Now or Pay More Later." This report argues that the persistent underfunding of the global AIDS response is inexcusable. As each minute ticks by, another African child dies from AIDS. Yet right now, across Africa and other heavily impacted regions, there are prevention, care and treatment interventions ready to be implemented which would help prevent these deaths and address the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Experts estimate that at least $10 billion is needed, per year, to fuel a serious attempt by the international community to reduce the spread of HIV and deal with its consequences. But if checks are not written, the price tag will only increase. And the consequences, in financial and non-financial terms may show that $10 billion a year was a price well worth paying. Independent reports by the National Intelligence Council and the International Crisis Group show that the rampant spread of HIV/AIDS is directly contributing to societal instability and political unrest in countries around the world. In the wake of the September 11th terrorist attack and the subsequent global war on terrorism, combating global infectious diseases are an integral part of the long-term strategy to ensure peace and stability in parts of the world that could expand the breeding grounds for potential terrorists.

This report shows that we are now at a crossroads. The path we choose to take will have decisive implications: not just for people who live with HIV and die from AIDS and their families and communities; or the countries with the highest prevalence rates where stripped of human capital and the rate of economic growth could be severely reduced leading to social and political unrest; but for future generations around the world.

FULL REPORT AVAILABLE AT: http://www.globalaidsalliance.org/cd_Reports_and_Videos.html

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