DOD 'steps up fight' against HIV/AIDS

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BROOKS CITY BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Eighty senior military and medical officials from more than 30 countries will gather in San Antonio Dec. 2 to 9 to take part in the fifth annual HIV/AIDS course. 

This year’s theme is “Step Up the Fight.”

Sponsored by the Defense Institute for Medical Operations, the course aims to help senior military and civilian leaders develop, implement and strengthen the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS policies and programs in their respective countries. 

In addition, the course helps participants develop strategies for HIV prevention and consequence management.

The course will address global and national perspectives on HIV/AIDS to include military strategies, medical responses, business solutions and the impact on national resources. Experts from such organizations as the Africa Center, World Health Organization, World Bank, Project Hope, Family Health International, Clinton Foundation, and the U.S. Public Health Service will make presentations.

Looking to share lessons learned and effective strategies, international military leaders will address the special concerns of uniformed members living with HIV and AIDS.

According to a recently released report from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS and the World Health Organization, the number of people living with AIDS in the world has grown to 40.3 million and continues to rise. 

Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 64 percent of new infections. While infection rates have declined in some countries, the report emphasizes that much remains to be done in the international fight against the epidemic. Specifically, the November 2005 report emphasized both prevention and treatment programs.

Participants at this year's course are sure to get a healthy dose of discussion on both tools in the fight against HIV/AIDS at this year’s course, officials said.