Polls & Research

Americans Divided on Global AIDS Fight

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in the United States are split over their government's contribution to prevent AIDS in poorer countries, according to a poll by Harris Interactive. 24 per cent of respondents feel the U.S. spends too much on the matter, while 36 per cent believe more funds should be allocated.

Views on assistance vary across party lines. While 46 per cent of self-described Democratic Party supporters and 41 per cent of independents believe more should be spent on AIDS prevention and treatment in poorer countries, only 21 per cent of Republican Party backers concur.

In the 2003 State of the Union address, U.S. president George W. Bush presented his five-year, $15 billion U.S. Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The proposal seeks to commit resources to countries affected by the AIDS epidemic in Africa and the Caribbean by preventing new infections, treating 2 million HIV-positive persons, and caring for more than 10 million individuals and orphans.

In May, Pedro Chequer—who heads Brazil's government-sponsored anti-AIDS program—declined $40 million U.S. in aid from the U.S. government. The offer was conditional on Brazil condemning the practice of prostitution, which is legal in the South American nation. 47 per cent of American respondents believe each country should spend assistance funds at their discretion, while 32 per cent think the U.S. should have a say on which initiatives get financing.

Close to 45 million people around the world are infected with the HIV virus that causes AIDS.

Polling Data

Based on what you know or have heard, do you believe the U.S. government spends too much, not enough or about the right amount on foreign aid to poorer countries to help prevent and treat HIV/AIDS?

The statements below represent different points of view regarding foreign aid funding to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. Which do you tend to agree with most?