amfAR Endorses Confirmation of Dr. Eric Goosby to Head OGAC
Contact: Cub Barrett, Manager, Program Communications, (212) 806-1602, cub.barrett@amfar.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, June 22, 2009—amfAR, amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, announced Monday that it enthusiastically supports the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Eric Goosby, M.D., as the new U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator. Goosby, who was nominated for the position by President Barack Obama in April, was confirmed by the Senate on Friday.
“Dr. Goosby has always been an advocate for evidence-based prevention policy, a perspective that is much needed in our global response to the epidemic,” said amfAR CEO Kevin Robert Frost. “We must do more to implement evidence-based policies such as harm reduction and age-appropriate sex education, and Dr. Goosby has a keen understanding of what needs to be done.”
amfAR supports necessary increases for HIV/AIDS research both domestically and abroad. Frost said Goosby’s appointment signals that the federal government is committed to the further development and implementation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Frost said amfAR looks forward to working with Goosby, the Administration, and Congress to achieve full funding for PEPFAR.
“To be effective, our global HIV/AIDS programs must expand outreach to marginalized groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM), intravenous drug users, sex workers and others at elevated risk, with both prevention and treatment services,” Frost said. “We look forward to working with Dr. Goosby and his office to achieve full funding for the PEPFAR program.”
Frost added that amfAR would also like to work with Dr. Goosby and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) to prepare for effective introduction of potential new prevention technologies, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
About amfAR
amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, is one of the world’s leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Since 1985, amfAR has invested more than $290 million in its programs and has awarded grants to more than 2,000 research teams worldwide.