Pubdate: Sun, 04 Jun 2006 Source: Courier-Post (Cherry Hill, NJ) Copyright: 2006 Courier-Post Contact: http://www.courierpostonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/826 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange) DEEPEN RESOLVE TO FIGHT AIDS Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of the first documented cases of AIDS. Despite advances in treatment, the virus remains a virulent health threat, especially in poor pockets of the world. That includes areas in New Jersey. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan recently warned that world leaders cannot become complacent because AIDS appears, for the moment, to be most devastating in the lives of poor people. According to a report released Tuesday by the United Nations AIDS agency, nearly 40 million people worldwide are living with the virus or the disease. AIDS infection is worst in sub-Saharan Africa, where poverty puts prevention and treatment beyond the reach of most. Annan said most targets for combating AIDS have not been met. The U.N. AIDS agency recently reported that between $18 billion and $22 billion is needed annually to fight AIDS. But countries contribute a combined $10 billion a year. The lack of commitment to do what is necessary to fight AIDS isn't just felt in Africa. In New Jersey, the Legislature continues to ignore the pleas of local officials in Camden, Atlantic City and elsewhere to set up a relatively low-cost prevention strategy -- needle exchange. This would get syringes possibly infected with the AIDS virus out of circulation and reduce the spread of the virus. Clean needles are accessible in 48 other states, and they have not experienced an increase in drug use. Lawmakers should approve legislation proposed by Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts, D-Camden, to allow hard-pressed cities such as Camden to set up needle-exchange programs. The ambivalence shown by too many New Jersey legislators, as well as leaders around the globe, clearly provides the perfect culture for the spread of AIDS. To effectively fight this disease, our leaders must be willing to do more to help those most vulnerable to it. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman