Tribute to a Friend of Everyone Impacted by HIV/AIDS

This week the US Senate and people with HIV bid farewell to a stalwart friend and supporter.     Dr. Tom Coburn (R-OK) has been a tireless advocate for people impacted by HIV since his election to the House of Representatives in 1994.   A physician who understands the clinical aspects of HIV/AIDS in a way most of his legislative colleagues do not, Coburn has tirelessly advocated for treatment for people with HIV in the US and around the world.

At a time when the national AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) had waiting lists of thousands who could not afford to purchase HIV medication, Coburn advocated for federal funding to provide treatment for all.   As a result, today there are no waiting lists for HIV treatment in the US.

To resolve domestic treatment and care issues, Coburn reached across the political aisle and worked with Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) to address issues within the Ryan White Care Act to ensure needed clinical treatment and care for all.

CAFI honors and thanks Dr. Coburn for his tireless support of people with HIV.

Globally, Dr. Coburn worked to ensure that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) ensured that the most of the appropriated funds were used to provide treatment to people with HIV.    As a result, millions of people around the world are alive today because of the treatment they have received through the PEPFAR program.

An avid advocate for fiscal responsibility and transparency, Dr. Coburn fought tirelessly to ensure that the American taxpayers were treated fairly in terms of government spending, arguing that waste today will adversely impact future generations.

Whether or not one agreed with Dr. Coburn’s political perspectives on all the issues, there is no argument that he was a champion for people with HIV/AIDS unparalleled by his political colleagues.     He will be sorely missed.