December 4, 2007

Presidential Candidate Bill Richardson’s AIDS Plan

On World AIDS Day, December 1, Democratic presidential candidate Governor Bill Richardson unveiled his policy to tackle HIV/AIDS in the United States and around the world (richardsonforpresident.com, 12/01).

His plan focuses on evidence-based prevention, providing quality and affordable treatment, and renewing a commitment to HIV/AIDS research.

“The United States must lead the world in dealing with the HIV/AIDS epidemic,” Richardson said. “On the home front, it is shameful that we do not have a comprehensive national strategy to address the HIV/AIDS crisis. 1.2 million Americans are living with [HIV], including more than 400,000 who have [AIDS]. This must be addressed now.”

Richardson’s international plan would include a push for the International Monetary Fund to cancel the debt of impoverished nations who agree to implement specific AIDS programs. It would also aim to cultivate trained health care workers in developing countries to treat people living with HIV.

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Previous Comments:

Richard Eastman, Houston, TX, 2007-12-20 12:13:32
It is wonderful to know that someone in our government sees this epidemic as an important issue to not only address vergally but physically. The cost of medications alone are staggering. If we lived in any other Western Country, our meds would almost be free instead of $1800.00 per month.

Mark Lewis, Aztec, New Mexico, 2007-12-09 10:41:43
I have known Bill Richardson since he was a congressman from Northern New Mexico. He has always impressed me with his ability to get things done by working with others. He did this while in Congress and he has done this with the Legislature as governor. It certainly would be a positive change from the present administration. He has helped New Mexico maintain some of the best HIV programs of any rural state in the nation - and worked to keep them fully funded. He has my vote.

jesse, nyc, 2007-12-06 22:30:04
... and ... ?

Jim, Atlanta, 2007-12-06 18:37:47
When a person has passion for a subject he can go deep and talk about it at length.Broad statments only make many voters feel good, I would like to see more details of the plan and whether it is realistic.

Phil Ramsey, , 2007-12-06 15:20:37
This seems to be a very broad but not a very specific plan, but it is good to know he does understand the problems that we still face as being patients and survivors of Hiv-AIDS. I wouuld like to hear more from the canidates and this issue.

Daniel Parra, Albuquerque, 2007-12-06 12:02:46
I wish to commend Gov. Bill Richardson on his plan to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I am a resident of NM and am involved with the SAVE ADAP, INC. group and have advocated on a national level to address the need for more funding to help those in need in the U.S. who are on waiting lists who have no access to their medications due to state funding. I am proud to say that my governor is in the forefront in his efforts to help those in need, not only in NM, but abroad. You have got my vote.

Dave Martin, Austin, TX, 2007-12-06 11:36:26
I'm concerned when I hear people requiring "specific programs" regarding HIV/AIDS. George Bush did this, demanding his abstinence first plan in order to receive funding. I'd like more details on Richardson's specific programs, to be honest.

Frank Gavin, Los Angeles, 2007-12-06 10:42:14
That's a big talk from Richardson unfortunately it isn't enough to convince me that he would be a better leader than we've had with Bush, everything points to Richardson being just as bad if not worse!!! Everywhere else I've heard him speak he's stuck his foot in his mouth, On gay issues and other issues a litke. Richardson looks OKAY on paper, but he's a dumbtalker.

Karen, Columbia, SC, 2007-12-06 10:28:24
Edwards was the first candidate to come out with a comprehensive strategic plan for addressing domestic AIDS. Richardson now joins Edwards, Obama and Clinton in releasing an AIDS plan that calls for developing a national strategy. Kudos to all the bird-doggers that helped make this possible!

Robert Garrett, Ft Lauderdale, 2007-12-06 09:35:26
Richardson is by far the best informed candidate on this and most other issues.