EDWARDS PROPOSES GENERIC DRUG EXPANSION ABROAD TO FIGHT AIDS

Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards pledged touse US trade policies to ensure that undeveloped countriescan buy generic drugs at ?fair prices.? That initiative wasunveiled as part of the former North Carolina senator?s proposalto step up the government?s involvement in the fightagainst AIDS. His proposal would also significantly increasethe Medicaid prescription drug program by allowing peoplewho test positive for HIV to qualify for benefits earlier in thedisease process.

?We can?t talk seriously about ending HIV/AIDS withoutguaranteeing health for every single man, woman, and childin America,? Edwards said in remarks prepared for a healthcare forum in Washington, DC. ?Let me be blunt: If you don?thave health insurance?good health insurance?you are substantiallymore likely to die from this disease.?