The State Department web site below is a permanent electronic archive of information released prior to January 20, 2001.  Please see www.state.gov for material released since President George W. Bush took office on that date.  This site is not updated so external links may no longer function.  Contact us with any questions about finding information. NOTE: External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

1999 U.S. International Response To HIV/AIDS Released by the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs U.S. Department of State, March 16, 1999

Letter from
U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright

The growing prevalence of HIV/AIDS, and its actual and potential impacts, require us to revise our thinking about political and economic security. As deadly as any missile, as devastating as any financial collapse, the HIV/AIDS pandemic is the enemy of stability and productivity worldwide. Every member of the global community should recognize the devastation which has begun to impact national economies, security and social infrastructure. The United States has made the battle against HIV/AIDS a national and international priority, and calls upon other governments to do the same.

With 33.4 million persons already infected, the number of AIDS cases worldwide will continue to rise. The magnitude of the pandemic demands a vigorous and sustained response from governments in every region on every continent. In partnership with technical experts, governments must acknowledge the stakes, confront the terrible reality of AIDS, and act.

The 1999 U.S. International Response to HIV/AIDS report assesses the impact of this pandemic on U.S. interests and describes what U.S. government agencies are doing to address HIV/AIDS internationally. This report demonstrates the continued commitment by the United States Department of State, working with other Federal agencies, our partners in the international community, non-governmental organizations and the pharmaceutical industry to raise awareness and intensify national action to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS. We invite you to join us in combating, containing and one day defeating this cause of incalculable human suffering and threat to the well-being of all nations.

(signed)
Madeleine K. Albright

Back to report's homepage.

Return to Emerging Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS page.
Return to Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs page.
Back to Department of State homepage.