[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 13 (Monday, April 3, 2000)]
[Page 633]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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: This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue. An original was not available for verification of the 
content of this joint statement.