Reflections on 2009 and Plans for 2010 for the Coalition for a National AIDS Strategy

What a difference a year makes.

At the start of 2009, AIDS advocates prepared briefing materials for the Obama transition team.  Having supported a comprehensive global and domestic AIDS platform on the campaign trail, President Barack Obama inspired renewed hope for aggressive action against the pandemic.

Since Inauguration Day, the White House website has highlighted Mr. Obama’s commitment to a National HIV/AIDS Strategy designed to improve AIDS-related outcomes by reducing new HIV infections, increasing access to care for those living with HIV/AIDS, and tackling HIV-related health disparities. Members of the Coalition for a National AIDS Strategy’s Coordinating Committee met in early 2009 with the newly appointed Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, Jeff Crowley, and other White House officials to provide input on this and other AIDS policy issues.