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In
1993, President Clinton created the Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) to
provide a national focus and direction for the U.S. government's response to
HIV and AIDS. More recently, President Clinton asked ONAP to develop a comprehensive
National AIDS Strategy that would detail the Federal government's long-term
approach to this epidemic. The National AIDS Strategy has been developed by
the Clinton Administration to capitalize upon progress already made in fighting
the epidemic and to catalyze collaborative efforts among Federal Agencies, communities,
State and local governments, businesses, schools, churches, families, and individuals.
This
document is a snapshot of where we are as a Nation and where we need to go in
achieving these national goals and in ultimately ending the epidemic. It summarizes
some of the key accomplishments of our Nation's scientific and public health
professionals and identifies key areas for further effort. In addition, the
appendices to this report lay out, for the first time, detailed descriptions
of the objectives, goals, and budgets of all Agencies involved in the Federal
response to HIV in six major areas of HIV policy: prevention, research, care
and services, civil rights, international activities, and translation of research
advances into practice.
The
National AIDS Strategy sets forth a framework and identifies opportunities for
progress that will serve as the foundation for the Administration's response
to the epidemic in the years ahead. An implementation process for defining specifically
how to reach these goals will be a joint effort of the Interdepartmental Task
Force on HIV and AIDS, the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, the private
sector, and the community. These formal and systematic consultations will be
integral to identifying and implementing solutions. Moreover, the National AIDS
Strategy is intended to be a living document that requires regular updating
and adjustment as goals are reached and new challenges emerge.
The
development of a National AIDS Strategy is a historic undertaking. No previous
Administration has undertaken so broad a planning effort that: (1) involves
all Federal Departments and Agencies that engage in HIV-related efforts; (2)
reaches out to communities and the private sector; and (3) identifies areas
where the Federal government should focus its efforts.
The
National AIDS Strategy was drafted with guidance from, and in consultation with,
numerous groups and individuals. Within the Federal government, this effort
began at the Agency level. Members of the Interdepartmental Task Force on HIV
and AIDS (IDTF), representing all Federal Agencies involved in the national
response to HIV and AIDS, identified their HIV-related goals, objectives, and
highlighted areas requiring special attention. Individuals living with HIV and
AIDS, their families, friends, loved ones, and care givers made vital contributions
to this Strategy. Numerous non-governmental groups and organizations have also
been consulted in the course of developing this document, including the Presidential
Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, participants in the White House Conference on
HIV and AIDS, the ONAP-sponsored regional briefings, patient and consumer advocates,
health care professionals, community-based organizations, educators, religious
leaders, and business leaders. Earlier insights provided by the National Commission
on AIDS, the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, the General
Accounting Office, and the Office of Technology Assessment also have been extraordinarily
helpful in developing the National AIDS Strategy.
While
this Strategy focuses on the Federal government's response, it should be additionally
noted that many non-governmental organizations, such as private sector philanthropies
and businesses, labor groups, local communities, and religious organizations
have worked together and also make significant contributions to the fight against
HIV. These collaborations have strengthened the effectiveness of Federally-funded
initiatives, created powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors,
and generated steady increases in volunteerism and charitable giving, stretching
scarce Federal resources and improving the climate in which we do our work.
The National AIDS Strategy provides a foundation for the continuing public-private
partnerships that are essential to our success in ending this epidemic.
We
face great challenges as a Nation. We are also facing great opportunities. Together,
with steadfast commitment, courage, and leadership, we will win the battle against
HIV and AIDS.
Patricia S. Fleming
[Former] National AIDS Policy Director
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