[procaare] Re: Vote for Michel Kazatchkine! ... (3)

["George Tiendrebeogo" <g.tiendrebeogo@kit.nl>]

Re: Vote for Michel Kazatchkine! ... (3)
- George Tiendrebeogo
***********

Dear Moatti, 

Of course the French Government has taken serious steps to support access to HAART [since 1997 under the leadership of Chirac and Krouchner] and I have no doubt regarding Kazatchkine's past and current contribution towards the make up and survival of the GFTAM. Thanks Michel and never give up! Moatti, I have always been interested in yours statements as you are concerned with access and equity.

Having said that I want to ensure I understand correctly your second point: 'Did the other candidates act the same in their own countries?'  

What do you expect from Mali? In this country - ranked 173 and sometimes 174 on the UN Human Development Index - the Government is subsidising the National ART programme. I don't think you can compare what a candidate from a developing country such as Michel Sidibe can do against what Michel Kazatchkine can do in France. Maybe you wanted to address the third candidate, otherwise this means leaders from resource poor settings will never make it to where decision are made regarding the lives and future of the hard hit populations. 

According to me, the GFATM faces not only funding issues - which relate to negotiations with rich countries - but also accountability issues at recipient countries level - and that is where you can see the value of Michel Sidibe among other things. It may be that the 2 Michel are dealing with different but complementary problems. 

If you are still concerned with equity issues please don't disregard Michel Sidibe's application because of his counrty of origin.

With very best regards,

Georges

Dr. Georges Tiendrebeogo, MD, Prev&Soc. Ped., Trop. Med, MPH 
Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor 
Royal Tropical Institute / Development, Policy and Practice 
1090 HA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands 
Email: g.tiendrebeogo@kit.nl