“The Obama administration has a chance to turn things around — but it must act fast. It must press Uganda’s government to bring science and human rights back into HIV prevention”

SOUNDBITES — “In Uganda, our once-lauded AIDS programs are failing. They refuse to serve major vulnerable populations like gay men. Puritanism may make attractive politics, but it’s deadly policy. The US government, and US evangelicals, have a huge responsibility for the failure. The Bush administration promoted narrow-minded policies. Meanwhile, preachers imported their own American brand of hate into our borders. The Obama administration has a chance to turn things around — but it must act fast. It must press Uganda’s government to bring science and human rights back into HIV prevention. Otherwise, my patient, and thousands like him, will die from the deadliest diseases: silence and fear.” —Uganda physician Dr. Paul Semugoma, arguing international pressure must be used to stop the country’s Kill The Gays Bill, which will harm Uganda’s AIDS efforts (via)