Although the U.S. is a leader in the fight against AIDS on an international level, domestically it leaves much to be desired says a study released May 24 by the Public Health Watch HIV/AIDS Monitoring Project of the Open Society Institute.

Chris Collins the author of the report, states that the United States lacks a viable plan for HIV treatment and prevention. For example, only about half the people with HIV are receiving HIV-related health care on a regular basis, and only about half of those who meet government guidelines for use of anti-retroviral drugs are receiving them. One important factor is the disproportionate number of black Americans living with AIDS, as well as gay men and intravenous drug users.

Bush’s abstinence-until0marriage policy aimed at young people in order to prevent AIDS has received harsh criticism as it has no proven effectiveness. Funding for this program has increased from $80 million in 2001 to $178 million in 2006.