Good news in health care this morning as we learn that the rate of AIDS infections is decreasing according to a new United Nations report. The rate of new infections is falling dramatically.
The last time the report was issued was 2007. Both then and now the number of people with AIDS infections is 33 million. But because the world has a larger population in 2009, the rate of total infection decreased. Even better news, the rate of new AIDS infections has fallen by 17%.
According to the UN report, less than half of the world’s population who need drugs are getting them. This is a terrific argument against Obama’s health-care plan that would mimic socialized medicine in Europe and third world countries.
In the United States today more than 90% of AIDS patients are getting their drugs. Those who get drugs live a lot longer. Remember that statistic next time you talk with one of the neo-socialists touting universal health-care.
The report correctly cited Africa as the hotbed of new AIDs cases in the world. The report continues to argue for more resources in Africa to fight AIDs, something that would undoubtedly help but is only half of the issue there.
Despite hundreds of billions of our taxpayer supported efforts in Africa, thanks mostly to a generous program implemented by the last president, there is a cultural bias in many of these countries against protected sex. They don’t appreciate rubbers like we do in the developed world despite a vigorous education campaign and free distribution to all.
Since we are winning the battle against AIDs, is it time to divert some resources to other health priorities? Cancer remains a far larger problem in the world and particularly in the United States.
Your thoughts on the rate of AIDS infections decreasing?
November 27th, 2009 at 6:08 am
That’s good, but with obama healthcare plan no one will be able to be diagnosed with aids. Thus making it so no one can help.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:46 am
I think diverting resources from the fight against AIDS now, right when we are starting to win the war will wind us up in the same pot of trouble like we did with Afghanistan–As soon as we started to win, we diverted resources to Iraq and now look where we are. We should continue full steam ahead with as many resources as are available to fight against this global epidemic.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:57 am
This post while masquerading as “Good news” is actually a bigoted political commentary bent on spreading propaganda on Obama’s Healthcare policy.
“According to the UN report, less than half of the world’s population who need drugs are getting them. This is a terrific argument against Obama’s health-care plan that would mimic socialized medicine in Europe and third world countries”.
This is actually a very good argument for universal Health Care. Global rates of new infections esp. in Africa have fallen as a result of the increased treatment and education efforts funded in part by non other than former president George W Bush. In the United States, those 90% receiving drugs and education are either using their private insurance or Govt. Funding for AIDS prevention programs. Do you have any proof of the cultural bias against protected sex in Africa that you so claim ? It seems to me that people who are opposed to Universal Health Care don’t even understand it. Like Susan above said, if we start diverting funds form fighting and preventing AIDS globally, then we shall lose every little progress we have made so far.
November 27th, 2009 at 9:41 am
I believe there is another agenda within this article. If one removes elements such homosexual activity, drug use and high risk sex, HIV is not a health problem with the vast population in the US. HIV and AIDS would not rank in the top 10 potential health problems of most US citizens. The problem lays in education and healthy practice. Unlike most health issues, HIV and AIDs are avoidable, and that is why the prevalence of HIV and AIDS are much higher in the poor, drug users and homosexuals. I say much higher, but in truth is represents most. So, its not our health care system, its just education. Fear will only work for the high risk population if they are educated about the risks. I challenge all heterosexuals to quiz their friends who are straight and see how close HIV and AIDS is to your world. How many degrees of seperation.I am not insensitive to homosexuals, I know many, friends and family, but this problem is more predictable and preventable than any health issue I understand. BTW, If you compare most HIV and AIDS stats from western worlds, the numbers are close and most of the world has some sort of social medicine. Safe sex doesn’t get prescribed by the doctor. Be safe.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:17 am
It IS great news that the rate of AIDS infections is declining. Let’s be honest, AIDS is predominately an African problem. Of course people all around the world develop aids but the percentages of people that have aids that live in the southern half of Africa are STAGGERING.
The USA led by President Bush made a major financial commitment to combat the disease in Africa. It appears to be bearing some fruit.
Should resources be diverted elsewhere ? We should fulfill whatever commitment we made and THEN yes, we should divert resources to solve health problems that AMERICANS are more likely to encounter.
November 27th, 2009 at 10:23 am
This data is a little old ( 2005 ) but it does show that the countries in southern Africa make up the majority of AIDS/ HIV cases. India is ranked #2 but if the rankings were by percentage of the population, it would rank much lower.
http://www.photius.com/rankings/population/hiv_aids_people_living_with_hiv_aids_2005_0.html
November 27th, 2009 at 10:52 am
I think AIDS will eventually be like the common cold.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I think AIDS will eventually be like the common cold.-charles
I doubt it but that would be nice.
November 27th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
My thoughts are that you are brain dead if you think that this has anything at all to do with the health care debate in the US, and you must think that everyone else is brain dead too.
Well, I’m not brain dead. But if I were, I would probably STILL be able to see through your silly BS.
November 27th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Under obamacare there will be no medical breakthroughs for along time. I would like to see people inventing new kinds of medicine just to help mankind, but they wont I wouldn’t either. Profit is the reason they invest there money and work the hours to make new drugs.
November 27th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
I am Appalled that the Aids crisis is being turned into an argument for republican fodder.
I’m speaking as a newly diagnosed HIV+ American, who has a Master’s degree and has never participated in taking intravenous drugs…I am also a middle class white female and heterosexual. Neither have I ever been engaged in what would be considered promiscuous sex, having received the virus from my boyfriend, of whom I’ve known more than 10 years.
I am also appalled that this is still being touted a homosexual, African, or drug user problem.
Really people… even third world countries are receiving the medication they need in order to combat the AIDS problem.
A little education will take you far…read up.
November 28th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Tim:
Well I’m not talking about next month, but 20 to 100 years from now no question about it.
November 28th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Does anyone know what the present position on AIDS is whithin the senate bill ?
Medicade and Medicare both turn down twice as many claims as any other insurance. So nationalized socialized medicine being just another fed run health program may be subject to dismissing just as many claims ?
Would AIDS be considered a pre existing condition in some cases ? Or the condition itself ?
Just wondering.
Yeah Charles.
The government is not incentivized to make any profit so we’ll be left with those with any compassion as their motivation to come up with breakthrough drugs or cures.
I’ll bet they put more money into keeping the global warming myth alive than they will invest in cures for disease.