How can U.S. activists and AIDS service organizations make an impact on the global epidemic?
Piot: Last year was a turning point, when AIDS activists in the U.S., the Congressional Black Caucus, and others were able to improve and increase the support for international AIDS. There are several reasons why domestic and international AIDS activism should join. The reason we have been very successful as activists is that there has been strong solidarity among people living with HIV and people in affected communities. This solidarity should be expanded throughout the world. It will be necessary that those in rich and poor countries join hands. Also, in the U.S., many communities come from somewhere in the developing world; from the Caribbean for example, or from Africa. This provides a direct bridge between the U.S. and some of the countries that are most affected by the epidemic. And everywhere people need to strengthen community activism and responses. We strongly believe in the importance of community-to-community dialog and support, which will benefit both sides. ISSN # 1052-42
