For Immediate Release:	December 1, 2000
For More Information:	Steven Biel, Population Action International (PAI), sbiel@popact.org, 202-557-3423
Sponsor Organization:	Population Action International
PAI CALLS FOR IMPROVED REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH WORLDWIDE ON WORLD AIDS DAY
In recognition of World AIDS Day, Population Action International (PAI) today called on governments, health care providers, and citizens around the world to renew their commitment to improving reproductive health and elevating the status of women. "The solutions to curbing the spread of HIV/AIDS are within our grasp, and they include improving access to reproductive health services, elevating the status of women and alleviating poverty," said Amy Coen, president of PAI. PAI highlighted the lack of reproductive health services in developing countries as an obstacle to ending the spread of HIV/AIDS. Especially in developing countries where HIV/AIDS is most prevalent, the lack of counseling and information on how men and women can protect themselves from the risk of infection, as well as the lack of health services and supplies, are crippling efforts to slow the spread of HIV/AIDS. And the worldwide need for condoms will continue to intensify as HIV/AIDS spreads, especially in countries like Russia, where HIV transmission is exploding, and in India, which has the second largest number of infected people after South Africa. PAI also highlighted the role of gender inequality in contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS. The inability of women, especially in the developing world, to negotiate condom-use with their partners is well documented. Women, who are often subordinate to their male partners and economically dependent on them, find it difficult to ask their partners to use condoms. This inequality heightens the risk of contracting HIV. With a growing number of infections among women due to increased heterosexual transmission of HIV, the need for female-controlled methods has increased. Thus far, however, financial and cultural obstacles limit the availability and use of female condoms. PAI urged further research and development of microbicides -- creams or gels that women can use to prevent HIV infection. PAI applauded efforts by UNAIDS to focus on the vital role men must play in slowing the spread of HIV/AIDS. Adopting the motto that "men make a difference," UNAIDS has focused on addressing attitudes about masculinity that encourage sexual risk-taking and make discussing sex very difficult. Finally, PAI called on wealthy nations, especially the U.S., to increase their assistance to developing countries for reproductive health, especially family planning. The U.S. currently ranks last in the world among donor nations in terms of the percentage of gross national product given in foreign assistance. "The U.S. is the wealthiest and most powerful country in the world," said Coen. "If we are to overcome AIDS, the U.S. must reclaim its leadership role in funding and support for reproductive health programs." For more information contact: Steven Biel, 202-557-3423 or Leslie Isom Raabe, 202-557-3419, both of Population Action International (PAI)