AIDS - BBC Attack US AIDS Policy

Biased BBC reports on a blogger who took just a few minutes to debunk this BBC article attacking American AIDS policy.

The BBC errorneously reports on Brazil's refusal to accept US aid to fight AIDS and says:

Washington says it is important not to promote prostitution, and does not want any of its funds to be spent on treating prostitutes.

And under the paragraph headline "Bullying" the BBC repeat the error:

Much of the spending is being channelled to programmes that advocate abstinence, rather than condom use, and cannot be used for abortions or to treat prostitutes.

But as the blogger points out this is incorrect according to the Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directive. Note this is a pdf document.

PROHIBITION ON THE PROMOTION OR ADVOCACY OF THE LEGALIZATION OR PRACTICE OF PROSTITUTION OR SEX TRAFFICKING (JAN. 2004)

None of the funds made available under this agreement may be used to promote or advocate the legalization or practice of prostitution or trafficking. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to preclude the provision to individuals of palliative care, treatment, or post-exposure pharmaceutical prophylaxis, and necessary pharmaceuticals and commodities, including test kits, condoms, and, when proven effective, microbicides.

So why did Brazil turn down the money? Because Brazil's top Aids official, Pedro Chequer, wants to promote prostitution.

"That clause shows disrespect for sex workers. We advocate the legalisation of the profession, with the right to collect INSS [social security] and a pension," said Mr Chequer.

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