AIDS Crisis in Africa

Re your Jan. 18 editorial, “Africa AIDS Funding Imperative”: You are correct in saying that reducing the spread of AIDS in Africa is both a humanitarian imperative and a foreign policy priority. The Clinton administration’s recent emphasis on the AIDS crisis in Africa and the announcement of increased funding by the American government are welcome responses to addressing a major global problem. More funding for prevention and education programs is crucial in the short term.

But world leaders must also recognize that an affordable AIDS vaccine is the best long-term hope for ending the epidemic. It is imperative that the U.S. and other governments make commitments now to the development and eventual distribution of an AIDS vaccine. An AIDS vaccine for low-income countries is an international public good that is not likely to happen without innovative international public-private partnerships.

SETH BERKLEY MD

President, International AIDS

Vaccine Initiative, New York

*

Before spending my tax money on AIDS victims in Africa, it would make sense to stem the flow of future orphans destined to a terrible death at a young age. How about free sterilization clinics for the infected potential parents? How about free birth control?

JOSETTE KILMER

Rancho Palos Verdes