Council on Foreign Relations Calls for Restoring U.S. Leadership on International Family Planning Programs in Africa
January 17, 2006
An independent, blue-ribbon task force sponsored by the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations recently issued a detailed report calling for a more comprehensive and strategic U.S. approach toward Africa. In the report, the Task Force comprised of a diverse group of influentials from across the political spectrum highlights the pivotal role that slowing rapid population growth must play in U.S. policy toward Africa and the subsequent need for increased U.S. involvement in international family planning programs. PAI lauds the timing of the Task Force's prescriptions, given Congress' upcoming discussions on the fiscal year (FY) 2007 budget.
New Year's Resolutions: Better Late Than Never
January 9, 2006
For most, the new year often conjures up thoughts of fresh starts and new beginnings. But recent actions by the Bush administration demonstrate just the opposite. The administration has begun 2006 with a continuation of past bad behavior by steamrolling the U.S. Senate and ignoring civil society input in discussions regarding major U.S. policy decisions.
New HIV/AIDS Directive Highlights Need for Congressional Action
December 19, 2005
A new directive from the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) enforcing abstinence-until-marriage and be-faithful (AB) program funding will impose significant new restrictions on the use of U.S. HIV/AIDS prevention funds. The directive earmarks two-thirds of all prevention funding for the sexual transmission of HIV to AB programs, thus allocating less than 10 percent of all prevention funds to comprehensive, sound prevention programs. PAI calls on Congress to reject these new restrictions, which seem to contradict congressional intent that funding for comprehensive HIV prevention activities not be dwarfed by risky and unproven AB programs.
Majority of HIV/AIDS Prevention Funding to be Diverted to Abstinence Programs with New Bush Administration Directive
December 15, 2005
A new directive from the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) significantly restricts the use of HIV/AIDS prevention funding. Two-thirds of all prevention funding for the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is now limited to abstinence-until-marriage programs. The new mandate differs from what Congress intended and will further erode support for comprehensive programs to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS.
African Treaty Establishes Reproductive Rights as Human Rights
December 12, 2005
Just days before the world marked Human Rights Day 2005, a landmark treaty strengthening African women's reproductive rights was enacted. The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) on the Rights of Women in Africa took effect on Nov. 25, 2005 thirty days after Togo became the 15th African country to ratify the treaty, per the guidelines of the protocol. This groundbreaking document which has 38 signatures and 15 ratifications from 53 member states was originally adopted by the African Union in July 2003 to supplement the ACHPR. PAI commends Togo and the 14 other African countries for ratifying this important treaty, thereby elevating the status of African women.
Contraceptive Access Key to Eradicating Hunger
December 5, 2005
For many people in the world's wealthy countries, the holiday season is often a time for overindulgence in food. But for the estimated 850 million people worldwide who suffer from hunger, this time of year only serves as a stark reminder of their often-constant struggle for adequate nourishment.
Population Action International Calls on U.S. to Reexamine Funding Criteria
November 30, 2005
Population Action International Calls on U.S. to Reexamine Funding Criteria
Population Action International (PAI) today is calling on the Bush administration to evaluate whether current U.S. restrictions on international HIV/AIDS assistance allow the most effective use of U.S. funds.
World AIDS Day: U.S. Restrictions Ultimately Snare HIV/AIDS Efforts
November 28, 2005
Themed Stop AIDS. Keep the promise, World AIDS Day 2005 which takes place on Thursday, Dec. 1 calls for governments and policymakers to be held accountable to commitments made towards ending the scourge of HIV/AIDS. The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) signals the United States' commitment to HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. However, in light of HIV infections doubling in the past decade and limited financial resources available worldwide, PAI calls on the Bush administration to evaluate whether current U.S. restrictions on international HIV/AIDS assistance make the best use of U.S. funds.
Partnerships Promote Progress for Sexual and Reproductive Health
November 21, 2005
PAI representatives, as members of the Asia Pacific Alliance, have joined hands with over twelve hundred participants at the 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive & Sexual Health (APCRSH), held Nov. 17-21, 2005 in Malaysia. The conference, which concludes today, brings together reproductive and sexual health workers, professional practitioners, social scientists, donors, policy makers, and government and civil society representatives from the Asia Pacific region and around the world.
Family Planning Funds Preserved
November 14, 2005
Congress Maintains Status Quo for U.S. International Population Assistance in FY 2006 Spending Bill
PAI lauds Congress for preserving the current funding level of $440 million for international family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) programs in the fiscal year (FY) 2006 Foreign Operations spending bill passed last week by the House and Senate. Although the approved amount is higher than his original request of $425 million, President Bush is expected to sign the bill into law.
