The Hindu

India, US commit themselves to combating HIV/AIDS
New Delhi, March. 2 (PTI): Underlining the need to combat dreaded HIV/AIDS,
India and the US today committed themselves to exploring all possible avenues,
including expediting drug approval process at USFDA and strengthening bilateral
cooperation, to fight the disease globally.

In view of the fast spread of HIV/AIDS, the two nations decided to encourage
corporate participation to boost the battle against the disease and announced
setting up a joint Indo-US corporate fund to fight the menace, the Indo-US Joint
statement said.

They agreed to strengthening Virtual Coordination and Information Centres set up
last year and hold a bilateral meeting soon to develop a practical programme for
utilisation of its services, the joint statement issued after talks between
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and US President George W Bush, said.

Bush has also announced a contribution of seven million dollars towards the
Indo-US Corporate Fund for HIV/AIDS. It would be managed by GIVE Foundation and
ICICI Bank, it said.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the expedited United States Food and
Drug Administration drugs approval processes to strengthen the fight against
HIV/AIDS.

Resolving to work together to address the concerns on avian influenza, they
decided to reach out to the private sector for their participation to fight
diseases that adversely impact the economic growth and agreed to plan an
in-region containment and response exercise.

The two sides have agreed to expand bilateral efforts and continue
cooperation in the area of medical research and strengthening technical capacity
in food and drug regulation in India. The US President also lauded India's offer
to host the International Partnership on Avain Pandemic Influenza meeting next
year.


Kate Krauss
Media Coordinator, Health Action AIDS
Physicians for Human Rights
2 Arrow Street, Suite 301
Cambridge, MA 02138
(p) 617.301.4240 (f) 617.301.4250
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