Statement Announcing a
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Epidemic Action Plan
Acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus
(HIV), has moved through our society with tragic human
consequences. It is a public health threat that has touched the lives of
Americans with alarming speed and frightening consequences. It demands
knowledge and attention by the best experts in our society. I am today ordering
a number of actions to focus the efforts of the Government and private sector
on this horrible human problem. These directives will assure compassion toward
those with the HIV infection, provide dignity and kindness in treatment and
medical care, and require that we inform and educate our citizens to prevent
further spread of the disease.
We
are today adopting a 10-point action plan to advance the battle against AIDS
and HIV consistent with the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on
AIDS. It is a wide-ranging plan that calls on the action and cooperation of all
levels of our society. As a first step, I am today directing that every Federal
agency adopt a policy based on Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidelines
on how to treat HIV-infected persons in the workplace. I ask American
businesses, unions, and schools to examine and consider adopting education and
personnel policies based on the OPM and Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
I am directing the Attorney General to provide me with an expeditious review of
how the Federal Government should provide direction and leadership in
encouraging nondiscrimination for HIV-infected individuals. We will also
proceed to improve laboratory safety, accelerate drug approvals, evaluate the
health care financing system, and pursue a multifocused
international initiative, among other steps. I have asked Dr. Macdonald [Deputy
Assistant to the President for Drug Abuse Policy] to monitor our response to
the Commission's recommendations and report to me in September.