    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 24, 2000]
    [Page 527]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 527]]

    United States-India Joint Leadership Statement on HIV/AIDS
    March 24, 2000

        The HIV/AIDS epidemic is not only an Indian problem, it is not only
    an American problem, it is a global crisis, threatening every country.
    It burdens our health systems, our economies and, most importantly, the
    lives of too many of our citizens. But the AIDS epidemic can be slowed,
    and ultimately reversed by raising awareness, changing behavior and
    developing new technologies including--eventually--a vaccine.
        To that end, India and the United States are working closely
    together, involving our public, academic, business and non-governmental
    sectors for the benefit of our nations, and the world. India and the
    United States are home to some of the world's finest scientists and
    facilities. We intend to expand collaborative research efforts in HIV/
    AIDS prevention. Together we are applying our nations' substantial
    public health expertise and scientific capacities to fight the global
    pandemic.
        India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, through the National
    AIDS Control Organization (NACO), which coordinates HIV/AIDS policy
    formulation and implements prevention and control programs, has recently
    launched a new phase of its National AIDS Control Program. With a
    substantial commitment from the Indian Government, bolstered by
    additional resources from the World Bank, USAID and other donors, NACO
    is now working with State health authorities and non-governmental
    organizations to reduce high-risk behaviors and increase awareness in
    the general population.
        USAID is the major supporter of HIV/AIDS prevention programs in
    Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu States. Additionally, the United States
    (under its ``LIFE'' initiative) will support Indian efforts to prevent
    infection, care for the affected, and build capacity. Planning for these
    efforts include: establishing an HIV/AIDS resource center; establishing
    a business coalition for employer-based HIV prevention activities with
    private and public sector employers; supporting NGO activities for
    children affected by AIDS; and sensitizing journalists to HIV/AIDS
    issues.
        Science alone will not win the world's struggle against HIV/AIDS.
    This will require leadership, which India and the United States are
    determined to provide. We hereby commit our continued, personal
    involvement to stopping AIDS in India, the United States, and around the
    world.

     Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.