Kehinde O.A. in Nigeria writes:

I DID LIKE 2 ADD MY VOICE FOR A POSITIVE IMPART.

Posted on Mon Aug 30, 2010

Singilizwe T.M. in South Africa writes:

I would like to urge the Obama administration to increase global HIV&AIDS; contributions in persuit of prevention, treatment & Care. At the same time must put aside financial & Hr to bolster capacity in the ailing health systems & infrastructure in Africa especially SA with high incidence & prevalence of HIV&AIDS;/TB pandemic.
I appeal that GHI must also pay special attention to leadership & management capacity in the health sector, development of health systems standard operating procedures.

Posted on Mon Aug 16, 2010

Wisdom M. in Mozambique writes:

Is there any plan by PEPFAR to scale up support in poor rural areas within their programs. I have observed that most of teh support is centralised and does not equally reach all the beneficaries at county level. The case in point is of subsaharan Africa where prevalence rate are as equally high as poverty levels and majority of people live in poor rural areas

Is there any plan to decentralise PEPFAR activities in counries with high prevalence rate?

Posted on Thu Aug 12, 2010

Ron in New York writes:

Anachronistic and Self-serving Presentation...

Kind of inside baseball for State, GHC and AIDS PEPFAR Ambassador to rehash the policy and program points which have still not been implemented since the 1st decade of US and Global AIDS. The big change is the "Severity of Severe Economics"; which, ironically prevent the implementation of sensible HIV/AIDS approaches. maybe the scare resources will drive some synergies ie. integration of HIV/AIDS into primary healthcare structures, but historic stigmas
against HIV+ populations will keep them marginalized. I hope "Evidenced-Based" programs is not code for politically-correct.

Move PEP-Farther!

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Dipnote Bloggers,

Watching Mr. Einhorn in the House giving testimony on Iran sanctions instead, and it's a worthy subject to post topic on here(they are giving him and his peers across government agencies the grilling of their lives - other than their confirmation perhaps), along with a link to the full video feed provided through House and Senate committe directly so we can access all the context, Q&A, testimomy from all attending etc. from right here on Dipnote when you post Congressional testimony of senior officials.

I find it odd that main page State dept. video is often reduced to an AP video soundbite, and I don't think this is the way to get your message out.

If folks are going to watch them in the first place, you'all @ State kind of got to figure we'd stick around to watch "the full monte" (in hearing, or abroad) if we consider it important enough to.

What I'm saying is that the public knows where the "pause" button is located if we've seen enough, so give it to us raw and complete...we'll figure it out...word on it.

Look forward to checking the broadcast out later. Thanks,

EJ

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

DipNote Bloggers reply:

Hi Eric - the live broadcast has finished now. You can watch a replay at http://www.state.gov/video. It hasn't been posted quite yet, but should be there very soon.

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

Eric in New Mexico writes:

Dipnote Bloggers,

It's not happening...no replay. No link appears, no "triangle" , no nada...

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

DipNote Bloggers reply:

Go to the latest blog entry (currently "Conversations With America: A Discussion on PEPFAR"). Hover the mouse over the image. You should see a "play" button (triangle). Press, and join!

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

Maeve M. in Washington DC writes:

The US supports a holistic ABC approach to HIV prevention which includes “Abstinence, Being Faithful, Correct and Consistent Use of Condoms (ABC), and other related preventive strategies". However, PEPFAR continues to support and fund programs which rely solely on Abstinence and Be Faithful, without access to Condoms—even to those who are sexually active. The ABC Guidance itself discourages access to condoms for youth, even sexually active youth. This is both disingenuous and dangerous. Will this be updated to reflect your stated commitment to access to condoms, and more importantly, the reality on the ground?

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

Ruchrd in New Jersey writes:

How do I connect to the PEPFAR conversation?

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

Brook B. in Massachusetts writes:

Although it is true that PEPFAR funding has increased slightly in absolute terms 2009, 2010, and 2011 as have claimed by the Administration, do you also agree that these small increases have not generally matched the general rate of inflation in PEPFAR countries during this time period? At the very least, isn’t it true that US PEPFAR funding has been nearly flat-funded over the past three years’ enacted and proposed budgets?

You and other spokespersons in the Administration and commentators have been correctly asking that US global AIDS programming should achieve greater efficiencies in its treatment programs. And according to Ambassador Goosby, those efficiencies are beginning to occur – for example, per year costs of treating an HIV+ patient with ARVs has fallen from over $1000 to almost $400. But, the Lantos-Hyde bill reauthorizing PEPFAR also said that treatment-cost efficiencies should be translated into putting more people on treatment. Is the US in fact using already realized cost efficiencies to expand the number of people on treatment or is it, like some in the administration have claim, being diverted to other issues?

In recent statements, some in the Administration have claimed that the US is spending more than 50% “of all money globally for AIDS.” However, the Kaiser/UNAIDS report that you apparently relied upon, actually reported that the US had spent approximately 27% percent of global funding for AIDS when one takes into account that being spent by countries and patients themselves and by other non-traditional and charitable donors. In fact, six countries actually contribute a higher proportion of resources towards AIDS than does the US in terms of their respective shares of the global economy. Shouldn’t the administration avoid exaggerating the amount of its actual and comparative contributions?

In public statements Administration spokespeople have emphasized that we should be measuring PEPFAR’s success by lives saved and infections prevented rather than merely by dollars spent. On the other hand, growing scientific evidence shows that AIDS treatment should start sooner (CD4 cells counts of 350 and perhaps even 500), with better medicines (elimination of D4t and its replacement with AZT or Tenofovir), and that earlier testing and more universal access to treatment will have significant public health benefits in terms of reducing viral load and thus the risk of transmission. However, current PEPFAR policy seems to be prioritizing ARVs for pregnant women, people co-infected with TB, and patients with very low CD4 cell counts. Shouldn’t the US being seeking success in lives saved and transmissions prevented by rolling out treatment more vigorously?

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

Angie H. in Wisconsin writes:

Amb. Goosby, we havepreviously met. See link, scroll from bottom up and watch for my name/testimony:
"http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/bloodsafety/pastmeetings/transcripts/apr25_97.html"
After a long battle, I lost my son June 2002.There are still many problems across the globe with blood/plasma and there is a new surge in renumerated "donor" facilities popping up everywhere they are still legal.It has long been known that people who have to sell their blood/plasma for money are inherently risky. We cannot let history repeat itself:
"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bad-Blood-Documentary/111157142250882?v=info"
What is being done in regards to donor education in HIV/HCV, etc. prevention and getting better equipment/higher standards in places that lack such? This, too, is a very important part of stemming the spread of infectious diseases:
"http://www.fas.org/irp/threat/nie99-17d.htm"
Thank you for your time, sirs....Angie

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

"Publish What You Fund" in the United Kingdom writes:

U.S. commitment to fight HIV/AIDS is significant and important. However, lack of information about current and future resource flows, activities and efforts means that PEPFAR funding cannot reach its full potential.
If the U.S. doesn’t know what, where and how much other donors and recipient governments are investing in HIV related issues, then how can we make sure U.S. efforts are having the greatest impact possible?
With timely, comprehensive and comparable information about aid activities, we can cut out duplication, and get the most out of U.S. money by gap-filling and complimenting other donors’ and recipient countries’ own spending. This needs an international information standard (such as the International Aid Transparency Initiative) to be agreed to ensure information is comparable.
How will the Administration ensure the availability and accessibility of comprehensive, timely and comparable aid information between PEPFAR, other U.S. agencies as well as all HIV/AID spending from other donors and recipients?

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

B.C. in California writes:

Just a tip from someone involved with CIA.

Langley has tested an HIV vaccine on an HIV patient and it was successful in eliminating the virus 100 percent.

Hope is near. 5-7 years public release.

CIA reports to Obama.

The gay community needs to demand immediate HIV vaccine release RIGHT NOW and demand federal marriage RIGHT NOW.

We have to live with this disease and protect the country and can't get married federally.

I don't think so.

Posted on Tue Aug 10, 2010

M.M. writes:

The science seems to be increasingly clear that AIDS treatment prevents new infections and, if you reach a high level of coverage, it can have an impact at the population level. That, combined with proven methods like circumcision, condoms, and exciting new things like the microbicide, seem to put us on track to defeating the pandemic. What is PEPFAR doing to change the coure of the epidemic? Don't we need to increase resources so we can quickly get to the tipping point or else the expenses continue to increase???

Posted on Mon Aug 09, 2010

L. in the U.S.A. writes:

It is about 234 years ago when the United States of America should have decided and put into the Constitution that from that time forward this countries first and utmost goal was to put the USA first, OVER AND ABOVE ALL OTHER GLOBAL LOCATIONS!!!!! Hey, is that a brilliant idea or what? Lets take care of TRUE American Citizens first, then Naturalized Citizens and Permanent LEGAL residents, then all of those people who are trying to enter the USA by legal means. After we do all the care and giving for our own people, then if we have anything left go out and try to help the rest of the world, JUST THE SAME AS ALL THE OTHER COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD DO. Why should America and it's taxpayers foot the bill for the whole world and be the caretaker of all global peoples anyway? NO OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD WOULD DO THAT, WHY US???

Posted on Mon Aug 09, 2010

David J. in Washington DC writes:

A question for Ambassador Goosby:

Many have cited the gap between available funding and the projected need for HIV testing and treatment as the most serious challenge facing the global AIDS community. Do you agree? What other challenges do you see in ensuring a reliable supply of medicines, diagnostics and laboratory supplies to support the needed increase in HIV/AIDS prevention, as well as care and treatment?

Posted on Mon Aug 09, 2010

Dr. Ogoubi K.W. in Togo writes:

Ican't be with one live because of your time of beginning, but I beg you serious to answer my question of how collaborate with with my patent and proceed in hand?

Posted on Mon Aug 09, 2010

Jerome T.B. in Michigan writes:

I would like to as President Obama, Where is the loop? Where is the get-together? When I was around 2 & 1/2 years of age, I was taken aside by George H.W. Bush, Sr., Bob Dole, and Newt Gingrich, and taught some German, "Ich bin Zwei, Tanks". That means I am two years of age, Thank You! I introduced myself to Boris Yelstin by saying this, and accordint to George, Bob, and Newt, he was my GrandFather's third cousin. They wanted HELP in the return of the remains of Korean War MIA Pilots, downed in China and North Korea during the Korean War! This didn't happen till the 1990's. And all this happened behind my Father's back and against a STERN no from him. George Bush's third cousin, mentioned to me at this time that him and his buddies were going to shoot JFK if he became President and visited Dallas. They ended up in jail for whatever part they had in the Assassination. A group of us was put together to write original manuscripts for movies, songs, lyrics, and tunes for Rock and Roll music. Where is the LOOP? Where is the get-together?

Posted on Mon Aug 09, 2010

Jerome T.B. writes:

Yes! I would like to know what President Obama is going to do as far as the AIDS Epidemic in Africa! They need more personal hygiene, such as brushing teeth, and more education concerning safe sex. What is President Obama going to do?

Posted on Mon Aug 09, 2010

An amfAR Fellow writes:

Question for Ambassador Goosby:

Despite articulating priorities for serving vulnerable populations, such as men who have sex with men (MSM), PEPFAR’s response to this population has inadequately addressed the social, legal, and policy barriers that continue to fuel the epidemic. MSM are 19 times more likely to have HIV than the general population in low- and middle-income countries, but only 1 in 10 MSM worldwide has access to lifesaving HIV services. At the same time, 48 of the 88 PEPFAR-funded countries continue to criminalize homosexual behavior, a critical barrier to implementing services for the MSM population.

How can we ensure that GHI and PEPFAR-funded governments commit to serving marginalized populations, especially when the recent increased focus on health systems strengthening may actually dilute already limited funding and sustain systems that discriminate against these populations?

Posted on Mon Aug 09, 2010

O.C. in the U.S.A. writes:

Quetion #1
Some Californians have to wait up to 36 hours in County emergency rooms to be treated. In any other system this might be considered a health delivery crisis and yet, its considered "normal". Why does America allow this type of medical apartheid of poor people?

Question #2
Medical exams get more difficult and complicated every year keeping good doctors out of the system because they can't pass the english portion. This is really dumb when we need good doctors. Also, doctors cheat on their exams to pass the test. Why aren't tests in the medical field aligned to test real knowledge as opposed to trivia knowledge?

Posted on Sun Aug 08, 2010

Vyacheslav in Russia writes:

Against the metabolick syndrome - arrive russia and work at a plant for normal in this country wage with stalling alot of wage by a boss - will not be a overweight.

Against HIV/AIDS - 5-6T. RR. (1$-29-31 Russian Rouble) - month wage of a medical doktor in the rustsha - who will prevent HIV profiting by lektions, another information? In all schooles (I am swear, it is correct) only a police&secrete; services officer's shuld are sale drugs. So often the drug dillers are enforce anybody (a reach family chuld) to injekt geroinum/another drug on own body for to became abused - for to geth money from the family. If the boy/girl/vicktim's father want not to his son/daughter will be enforced to do it (like he/she is an animal or a slave) - the father will die in a car accident in 1-2 months or will be arrested and sentensed (by a court with a barristor only in his past - officer of secrete services or police, it may not be in the court any another lawer/defencer) like a religiouse or ethnick or similar fight/a small war ingnitor. Similar in most of all countryes. Thats why America must enforce democracy like in Iraq and in the JUgoslavia in all the World. Delete Russia as soon as it possible please, rescue russian frome the terroble regime of Putin-Medvedev. Libereta us.

Posted on Sun Aug 08, 2010

Kristiawan in Indonesia writes:

You can belive AIDS
can cure now

it simple methode ........

Posted on Sun Aug 08, 2010

Matthew R.L. in New York writes:

Question for Amb. Goosby and PJ Crowley:

What if anything is the U.S. doing about the imprisonment of AIDS educator / activist Maxim Popov by the Karimov government in Uzbekistan?

Matthew R.L., Reporter at UN for Inner City Press

For this: "www.innercitypress.com/ban1uzbek061810.html"

Posted on Sat Aug 07, 2010

J.N.H. in Arizona writes:

Why are you ignoring the work of Niro Markoff who healed herself from HIV/ARC back in 1986?

I've posted her book on line

"www.computerhealth.org/wisa.htm"

She is still alive teaching others how she did it.

Posted on Sat Aug 07, 2010

K.S. in India writes:

Should We not Add Programs for Imbuing the Global Youth with Moral Principles?

While acknowledging and appreciating the great efforts made possible by PEPFAR led by the US Global AIDS Coordinator in combating the HIV/AIDS around the world, I wish to add a new dimension to the general approach to this global challenge.

In fighting this disease, our efforts have been generally pathological as it ought to be and no doubt we are making some progress. But are we going deep enough and trying to block the emergence and spread of this disease by dealing with its ‘causes’?

The pathological research efforts are very important. Should they not be supplemented by efforts from other angles? One such supplemental effort is ‘creating awareness of the disease among the people’; and some good work is being done in this direction.

The disease is admittedly the result of promiscuity. Do we face this reality directly and deal with it as a problem of immoral behavior of both men and women? I do not want to criminalize the already suffering victims but the fact remains that disciplined sexual behavior could have saved many of them from this deadly disease. In the communities where such self-discipline prevails, the impact of the disease has been negligible, if not zero.

Even while suggesting preventive methods, we only suggest how they can indulge in unrestricted sex and yet escape form the disease. How can we gauge the effect of such wrong hints and signals coming from the medical community?

Should we not think of some supplementary programs that would make the people, especially the global youth, realize the importance of self discipline, accept a better value system and follow a healthy sexual behavior?

I know such efforts may be time-consuming and difficult to carry on. The results might not be very concrete and obvious. But in the long run, these efforts would prove to be more efficacious than others, which simply try to circumvent the force of Mother Nature.

K.S. V.
Associate Editor,
Dynamic Youth Online Magazine

Posted on Sat Aug 07, 2010

F.C. in Indiana writes:

What is wrong with having sex education starting in junior high school.

Some dumb boys and girls don't even know they can get pregnant, this will also end abortion.

Start now!!

All countries need to teach sex education in schools and adults anywhere they can.

Posted on Sat Aug 07, 2010

Isaac L.S. in Nigeria writes:

I have read a lot scientific papers denouncing the actual existence of AIDS, just as there papers denouncing the hue about Climate change as a scam. What is global AIDS doing about it. 2.The campaign against AIDS in Africa seems only to focus on promoting use of condoms, and this is grossly inadequate. The root cause of the AIDS problem in Africa is mental poverty. Investment in attitudinal transformation will go a long way in combating it more than promoting use of condoms, except there is ulterior objective or is there?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Joanna C. in Canada writes:

Q1. It seems that in the past PEPFAR has taken steps to ensure that the most vulnerable individuals in our world have been somewhat more of a priority, in terms of providing greater access to free and essential treatment. However, it now seems that under President Obama's direction PEPFAR is now becoming a utilitarian based initiative. As a graduate of business school I can appreciate the need to be fiscally efficient, however, as a friend to many of those who will be impacted by the cut in funding and broken promises, as well as a student of Public Health, I can't help but believe that the most vulnerable will be forgotten.

Should PEPFAR (and programs like it) follow a utilitarian principle - "the greatest good, for the greatest amount of people"? If so, what will be done to protect the most vulnerable in our world who are suffering and will suffer greatly due to the recent cut backs to the PEPFAR program, especially in the area of treatment?

Q2. In the wake of reduced funding for treating HIV+ indivudals, what is PEPFAR's response to recent reports that indicate starting HIV+ individuals on treatment earlier helps reduce the risk of infecting others?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Eric in New Mexico writes:

To Eric Goosby,

Read the other day about a young fellow who earned the UK leg of the Dyson award for his ultraviolet water purification device.

It's hand held, hand cranked and can turn the most brakish water anywwhere into 99.9% bacterial free potable water in about 5 minutes.

This could revolutionize humanitarian relief to disaster zones, and I'd urge folks to put this into field testing ASAP and then mass production if it proves to filter and sterilize the total water consumption needs of a family for an entire month before replacement is in order.

Save USAID hauling tons of water that's for sure.

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Obmode in California writes:

"www.youtube.com/hivquestions" - do you think we are not intelligent enough to question the hiv test and also the research that all hiv testing and treatments are based upon? do you think we don't know when politicians are deceiving people and not allowing evidence into courtrooms by making research classified for reasons of 'national security' until the freedom of information act releases them after 25 years as that act requires? and fianlly, do you really believe that Magic Johnson has AIDS?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Dr. Ogoubi K.W. in Togo writes:

I've a patent for my treatment of HIV infection/AIDS. I'd like working with you and gain the way of medical trial and produce the proceed for all. Would you mind helping me.

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Edward G. in Maine writes:

There is a movement gaining momentum to get rid of the "AB requirements" for the African generalized epidemics. Yet evidence shows that "B" (fidelity, partner reduction) and "A" (later sexual debut) are essential to HIV prevalence decline. How will PEPFAR withstand the political pressure to return African AIDS prevention to risk reduction only?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Marsha B. in North Carolina:

Has anybody ever counted the number of people with AIDS who are illerate?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Ervin K. in Israel writes:

There is a growing public health crisis that is global in scope : it is - metabolic syndrom -MTS. 200 million Americans are affected by the MTS.It is the major hazard to both the world and the nation. Lifestyle medicine can help treat it and prevent it.
see JAMA July 14, 2010.
ervin

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Harry in California writes:

fire the cia

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Harry in California writes:

close hustler sex clubs make porn illegal.

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Clifford B. in California writes:

While AIDS is an ever-increasing world problem, what specific efforts are being made in the Americas (ie closer to the US) such as in earthquake-ravaged Haiti in particular. And would help to that country's specific health problems be better provided with a second Marshall Plan modeled on the original that helped Europe to recover and with French-speaking countries also assisting our Country in that effort? Thank you

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Herb T. in the U.S.A. writes:

Why are we using taxpayer money to fund things like this outside of our country? with all the issues that need to be addressed, this is a Wasteful use of public funds. Put the money to work at home

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Les N. in California writes:

Is the distribution of PEPFAR assistance still conditioned on a recipient country not offering birth-control advice and assistance at AIDS clinics, or has this been changed with the new US administration?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Walter S. in Massachusetts writes:

Dear Mr.Dr. Jeffrey L. Sturchio!
When are you was born?
Best regards for you!

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Ashok P. in Florida writes:

There are several non-profit organizations such as Clinton FOundation, Gates Foundation are also helping to fight aids. Are you planning to have a coordinated effort to combat AIDS which I believe is much more effective than individual efforts?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Violetta J. in Wisconsin writes:

Having personal experience with the AIDS epidemic, I am concerned about the ostrasizing of infected individuals. The numbers are growing and the infected are living longer. I would like the opportunity to work with these individuals by:

Repurposing closed military bases(w hospitals on site).

Working with medical schools across the country for treatment and research options

Providing CARES and daily living assistance with transportation.

These units will only be utilized for AIDS care.

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Abdalla A.E.S. in Egypt writes:

I want to travel to USA , I want to continue my education please help me

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Diane S. in Texas writes:

What specifically is the US government doing to ensure that people infected by HIV/AIDS will be able to afford their medications? This is a huge problem, not only in poor nations, but in our own country, even among people who have health insurance. Why can't our government compel insurance companies to cover medications, even experimental ones. Give people a chance to live.

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Patricia K. in West Virginia writes:

What is Global Health doing to promote better nutrition for women and children under five years of age in the Third World? Since the immune system is made up protein globules and it is the immune system which is so deficient with regard to AIDS, it would seem that making more protein available would be a MUST in all MCH programs.

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Terri in Idaho writes:

Does the US have the funds to be involved in this endevor? I doubt it.

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Donna S. in New York writes:

In Rochester, New York we have World AIDS Day concerts, and I wondered if other cities can be encouraged to have fundraisers to help children and adults afflicted by AIDS as we have done for 10 years now. How prevalent are cities in the USA to sponsor fundraisers or benefits for AIDS worldwide?

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Delia in Michigan writes:

How much does PEPFAR cost the US each year? What concrete steps are you working with other countries to get them to take responsibility for funding their own HIV/AIDS programs? And how are you measuring the progress following those steps? I see the benefits of helping with this, but it seems that as long as we continue to fund...other countries are not taking the responsibility of helping with cost of the problem....

Posted on Fri Aug 06, 2010

Mollh in Georgia (U.S.A.) writes:

Does PEPFAR's emphasis and funding base of abstinence affect the goals of the program and is it met with culture clash in civilizations?

The program should work with and cater to the culture of the community that it is helping.

Posted on Thu Aug 05, 2010

Ron in New York writes:

Excellent!

A great opportunity to synergize US and Global policy, resources, and access to addressing the world's AIDS challenge.

Recommendations:

Take PEPFAR further.....AIDS is threat to national and international security. Link it to all security activities.

AIDS is not an Emergency...it is a spreading epidemic morphing for 40 years. Change the "E" in PEPFAR paradigm.

Posted on Thu Aug 05, 2010