Idaho Statesman: Idaho’s U.S. lawmakers must help fight the global AIDS crisis
Ali Escalante, volunteer for the ONE Campaign

“…For nearly two decades, the U.S. has led the global push to eliminate AIDS in a bipartisan manner. … In his State of the Union address …, President Donald Trump put a needed spotlight on the AIDS crisis in the U.S. and beyond. However, for the past two years, the White House has proposed two major cuts to the global AIDS response. Pumping the brakes on years of steadfast investment in the Global Fund and PEPFAR would reverse our hard-fought progress at a time when we need to be keeping our foot on the gas. … Working in concert with PEPFAR, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria has been one of the most effective and efficient health organizations on the planet. In my meeting with [Sen. Jim Risch (R-Idaho)], I was greatly encouraged by his stated support for the Global Fund. I hope the rest of Idaho’s lawmakers will take a similar interest in preserving America’s leadership in the AIDS fight. We have come too far in the global battle to end AIDS, and it’s time for America to send another strong signal to the world that we aren’t stopping now” (3/29).