December 2002

Prevention Programs “Failing Dismally”

Current programs to fight HIV/AIDS among Africans and African-Americans are “failing dismally,” a three day PanAfrica AIDS Conference in Nashville reported early in November. Participants called for new strategies that better account for differing cultural practices and beliefs. They also planned to ask Congress to urge the International Monetary Fund to stop lending money to African nations that “spend money on war and conþict rather than health care and HIV prevention efforts.” Conference leaders plan to send a delegation to Africa to educate health care workers and others about gay and lesbian HIV+ patients, many of whom face discrimination when seeking treatment.