Nothing Endangers U.S. AIDS Campaign

  The head of the U.S. government's international AIDS campaign says the global recession can't change its plans.

Photo: Nothing Endangers U.S. AIDS Campaign

  In a telephone interview Wednesday, Eric Goosby acknowledged the economic downturn was a concern, and that other U.S. government departments were cutting back. But he says President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have assured him his program, known as PEPFAR, remains among "the highest priorities."

  In South Africa, the country with the world's highest AIDS burden, PEPFAR's budget was to grow from $550 million in the current budget year to $560 million for 2010-11. South Africa is the largest recipient of PEPFAR funds.

  International aid groups have expressed fears the global recession threatens AIDS funding.

  The Associated Press has contributed to the report.