Originally published on the CGS blog on June 7, 2007.
The Financial Times reports that the G8 may be preparing to cop out on more than climate change… They may be backing out of commitments to fighting the AIDS epidemic.
At the 2005 summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, G8 members promised to help 10 million people infected with HIV/AIDS by 2010. According to the FT, a leaked draft of the summit communique indicates that G8 leaders may be planning to cut that number in half, aiming to provide lifesaving anti-retroviral treatment for only five million people “over the next few years.”
This would be a shameful abdication of responsibility. Given President Bush’s commitment to fighting AIDS, he should step up to ensure that the G8 reaffirms its commitment to fight AIDS… Unfortunately, it seems that it is the U.S. delegation who insisted on watering down the goal.
Excuse me… I need to go put out those sparklers.
