What We’re Reading: Misspent dollars, water rights, AIDS therapy and more

Jul 29th, 2010 11:06 AM UTC
By Robyn Mitchell

Lack of funding threatens future of HIV drug therapy in developing world – New concerns about the rising costs of antiretroviral therapy dominated last week’s International AIDS Conference, where estimates indicate that there is barely enough money to pay for people currently on treatment, let alone enough to start treatment for about 5 million more. (David Brown, Washington Post)

New HIV/AIDS bill makes saving lives a priority, says Senator – Senator Tom Coburn (OK) highlights new legislation introduced last week – The HIV/AIDS Save Lives First Act of 2010 – which renews our commitment to providing life-saving treatment to millions of AIDS patients. “In these difficult economic times every dollar not spent saving a life or preventing a new infection is a dollar misspent,” said Sen. Coburn. (The Huffington Post)

Women awarded agriculture grants to boost food security – Sixty female agricultural scientists from 10 African countries received fellowships this week from African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), to help strengthen their research and leadership skills, and enhance their contributions to poverty alleviation and food security across the continent. (The Mail, Ghana)

U.N. assembly asserts water rights, some disagree – The U.N. General Assembly asserted a global right to water and sanitation in a resolution on Wednesday, but more than 40 countries abstained, saying no such right yet existed in international law. The clause called on states and international organizations to “scale up efforts” to provide drinking water and sanitation for all. (Patrick Worsnip, Reuters)

Putting women at forefront of AIDS fight is crucial – Foreign Policy fellow, Isobel Coleman, maintains that the increasing feminization of AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa requires that preventative measures address the realities that drive unsafe behaviors, mainly the low status of women. (The Huffington Post)

TAGS: Africa, Africa, Agricultural, Agriculture, HIV/AIDS, ONE, Policy News, President Bill Clinton, Sen. Tom Coburn, Water and Sanitation, What We're Reading