2002
The need for agencies like NMAC is felt more than ever. AIDS
is named the leading killer of people aged 15-59 and UNAIDS reports that women
comprise about half of all adults living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. In the United States,
the AIDS epidemic in African-American communities is being noticed more in the press.
NMAC holds a Gay Men/MSM of Color National HIV/AIDS Policy
Institute August 23-24, 2002, which is part of its Gay Men of Color Initiative
(GMOC).
NMAC facilitates another successful CPLS, this time in Chicago, IL.
USCA comes back stronger than ever, in Anaheim,
CA, exploring the theme Finding
our Voice. President Clinton appears in a taped welcome speech. The event also
is notable for the number of high profile speakers in attendance, including
Rosie Perez (right with former NMAC
Deputy Director, Darren Johnson) and then new-comer Shakira.
NMAC introduces a new advocacy training program called the Women of Color
Advocacy Institute, and facilitates a number of successful regional technical
assistance trainings.
Side effects and evidence of drug resistance prompts health providers
to shift from the "hit early, hit hard" philosophy of highly active antiretroviral
therapy (HAART) to ART (antiretroviral therapy).
NMAC facilitates a successful NATAF meeting, in New Orleans, LA.
The 14th International AIDS Conference, "Knowledge and
Commitment," is held in Barcelona,
Spain, during
which NMAC holds a special reception honoring the meeting's African Delegation.
Featured speakers include then NMAC Board Chair, Dr. Beny Primm and Director of
the Human Development and Reproductive Health office of the Ford Foundation,
Dr. Virginia Davis Floyd.
On November 7, the FDA approves the first finger-prick HIV
test, called the OraQuick Rapid HIV-1 Antibody Test, which provides results in
20 minutes. OraQuick granted a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
(CLIA) waiver in 2003, allowing the test to be performed outside of the
laboratory to help increase testing.
2003
The CDC estimates that there are 40,000 new infections each
year in the US.
27,000 of which are caused by people who are unaware of their HIV status.
On January 28, President Bush announces his new plan, called
the President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a five-year, $15 billion dollar
initiative to help fund the Global Fund, during his State of the Union Address.
The first round of funding began the next year.
NMAC facilitates the largest CPLS to date, in New York City, which
Mayor Bloomberg addressed.
The CDC launches the Advancing HIV Prevention: New
Strategies for a Changing Epidemic, which "is aimed at reducing barriers to
early diagnosis of HIV infection and increasing access to, and utilization of,
quality medical care, treatment and ongoing prevention services for those
living with HIV."
USCA is held that fall in New Orleans, LA;
the AIDS epidemic in the South is highlighted.
The first annual National Latino AIDS
Awareness Day is held on October 15, on the last day of National
Latino Awareness Month, in the United
States.
NMAC holds several successful Knowledge Information
Connection (KIC) Trainings.
Abroad, the South African Government announces new antiretroviral treatment
program, and the G8 Evian Summit features a special focus on HIV/AIDS; several
new commitments are made to the Global Fund. The WHO announces its 3 by 5
Initiative to bring 3 million people into treatment over the next two years,
and the William J. Clinton
Presidential Foundation secured price reductions for HIV/AIDS drugs from
generic manufacturers to benefit developing nations.
NMAC facilitates NATAF in Phoenix, AZ.
From 2002-2003 in the United States, the AIDS death rate
remains fairly constant, with 35,338 deaths during that time period. Though
dramatically lower than the early 1990s, AIDS diagnoses are still prevalent,
with 80,522 new cases reported.
On January 28, President Bush announces his new plan, called
the President's
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a five-year, $15 billion dollar
initiative to help fund the Global Fund, during his State of the Union Address.
The first round of funding began the next year. 