America Living With AIDS

4. Elected officials at all levels of government have the responsibility to be leaders
in this time of health care crisis and should exercise leadership in the HIV epidemic based on sound science and informed public health practices.
The Commission recognizes that many issues raised by the HIV epidemic place
pressures on elected officials to pass laws intended to respond to constituent fears
and concerns. The Commission, however, is very concerned that policies may be
enacted into law that are better left to scientists and public health experts. Legislative focus should be on full funding of HIV-related research, prevention, and treatment programs and on protecting those with HIV disease from discrimination.
5. The federal government should develop an evaluation and technical assistance
component for all federally funded HIV-related programs.
Understanding what works and why is essential to the development of effective
prevention and care services for people living with HIV disease. It is essential
that all HIV-related prevention and treatment efforts be evaluated and that the
information be integrated into all planning, prevention, and health care delivery
programs.