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US Conference on AIDS
Atlanta, GA, USA October 2000
"Mrs. King has been a beacon of perseverance and poise in the fight for human rights for decades. Mrs. King was one of the first leaders in this nation to address HIV/AIDS as a human rights issue. She has drawn us all into the understanding that this fight really is about civil rights for all and not just about HIV/AIDS."
--Sandra L. Thurman, Director, Office of National AIDS Policy, The White House
Coretta Scott King
In the developing nations of Africa, health spending per person is thought to average less than $10 per year. But current drug treatment therapies in the US and other developed nations costs between $10-13,000 per year, per person.
AIDS is the number one killer in sub-Saharan Africa. Every day AIDS kills 5,500 African men, women and children. It is estimated that 40 million African children will become orphans in the next decade as a result of the AIDS pandemic.
Sandra L. Thurman, White House,
Coretta Scott King, Dr. Helene Gayle (CDC)
Africa's AIDS challenge is all the more difficult because the nations of Africa spend more than 40% of their budget on paying interest on their debt to the US and other developed nations. One of the most important things that we in the West can do to help alleviate Africa's suffering, is to demand that our government cancels the immoral and unethical debt so that the nations of Africa can invest in healthcare for their people.
Paula Kawata, NMAC, Coretta Scott King
It is important to remember that AIDS is not only a medical and social problem, it is a political problem. We won't see adequate funding for AIDS research, prevention and treatment until we make the political leadership at every level of representative government understand that they will be held accountable for everything they do or don't do.
I want to thank all those working who have committed their time to this great and
urgent cause. I salute all of you and wish you the greatest success as we join together
to eradicate AIDS from our nation and our world. --Coretta Scott King
Sandra L. Thurman
We gather a very pivotal moment in the fight against HIV/AIDS where we have the opportunity to choose between complacency and constructive action. AIDS is not just a health issue, it is a fundamental development issue, an economic issue, a stability and security issue. Most importantly, it is a civil and human rights issue for people all around the world.
In this pandemic, both crisis and opportunity have no borders. We have the opportunity in the fight against AIDS to empower women, to protect children and support communities here in the United States of America and all around the world in our shared struggle. As we move forward, let us remember the past, take the opportunity to celebrate our successes, analyze our failures and build for the future. Let us find ways to gain strength from one another and renew our commitment to move forward together. --Sandra L. Thurman
Through the sponsorship of the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC), Global Focus Films attended the 2000 USCA in Atlanta. NMAC premiered Global Focus' documentary short, "NOT MY CHILD: AIDS in South Africa," where it was viewed by over 3,000 people. In addition, we were able to continue creating dialogue with other leaders, activists, educators and experts on the frontlines of HIV/AIDS from the U.S., Africa, South America and Europe about the pandemic. After the conference Global Focus Films created new and developing partnerships and collaboration with a diverse range of individuals and NGOS globally. For more information about our videos, contact us at: GlobalFocusFilms@aol.com.
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