Archives: Morning Breakouts

The Wall Street Journal reports on how "a reportedly fake vaccination campaign conducted [by the U.S.] to help hunt down Osama bin Laden has caused a backlash against international health workers in some parts of Pakistan and has impeded efforts to wipe out polio in the country," one of only four worldwide where polio remains endemic. The article quotes a UNICEF country representative, a U.S. Embassy official, a Muslim cleric, a non-governmental organization representative, a local health care worker, and an official with a provincial health department (Tohid, 12/3).

"The public and private sectors have achieved remarkable success in Africa in the battle against AIDS, and the question now is: Where do we go from here?" James Glassman, founding executive director of the George W. Bush Institute and former under secretary of state for public affairs and public diplomacy, writes in this Forbes opinion piece. Noting the "incredible accomplishment" made in fighting HIV/AIDS over the past decade, Glassman says "the first answer to where we go from here is more of the same, and then some," and states that the UNAIDS targets of "Zero new HIV infections" and "Zero AIDS-related deaths" "soun[d] right."

"With donor support flagging around the world, U.S. leadership is crucial. Congress must fully fund its global health programs, especially the Global Fund" to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Joyce Kamwana, a Global Fund "HERE I AM" campaign ambassador, writes in The Hill's "Congress Blog." She adds, "Reducing support for global health would put millions of people at risk" and "would deal a devastating blow to the global fight against AIDS, which has reached a critical point."

The Associated Press examines the potential impact on HIV/AIDS funding of a proposed bill in Nigeria that would outlaw gay marriage; assisting a gay couple in marriage; "'public show of same-sex amorous relationships directly or indirectly'"; or "organizing, operating or supporting gay clubs, organizations and meetings." According to the news agency, "Statements from the U.S. and U.K. say both governments are watching the bill closely, but declined to comment further on how it may affect their outreach." Before becoming law, the bill must pass Nigeria's House of Representatives and be signed by President Jonathan, the AP notes (Ibukun, 12/4).

Today's news from various sections of the campaign trail include reports about whether President Barack Obama's gamble on health care will pay off, details of GOP presidential candidates' plans to hold down health care costs, and some of the policy particulars being advanced by Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.

The Wall Street Journal reports on a development that could further complicate the pending legal challenges to the health law.

Three AGs questioned six of the Republican candidates at a forum aired by Fox News. Perry and Romney talked about health care.

A number of government leaders made statements on Thursday in recognition of World AIDS Day. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a press statement said, "We have come a long way in the fight against AIDS, but there is still a long road ahead to realize our ambitious goals. If we continue to work together and coordinate a global effort guided by science, we may one day live in an AIDS-free generation" (12/1). In a post on the White House Blog, Gayle Smith, special assistant to the President, and U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Eric Goosby write, "As President Obama made clear, the fight against global AIDS is a shared responsibility, not one the U.S. can meet alone.