Helms' AIDS View a Part Of Legacy

For retiring U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, R-N.C., his legacy will undoubtedly include his role as a television reporter and anchor in North Carolina and his efforts to promote conservative ideals in Congress.

Unfortunately, a part of Helms' legacy also will include his staunch opposition toward AIDS research.

Over the years, Helms has strongly opposed the use of federal dollars to fund AIDS-related programs.

But on Feb. 20, it almost looked as if Helms had had a change of heart.

During an appearance at a Samaritan's Purse conference, Helms said he was ashamed for not putting more effort toward battling AIDS.

Almost immediately, many felt Helms' statement signaled a complete reversal in the senator's previous beliefs toward the disease.

Not so, says Helms.

On Tuesday, Helms told reporters from across the state that he had only changed his mind about fighting the AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, not the United States.

He credited the decision to focus on the region during his last months in office to his role on the Senate Foreign Relations committee.

About 28 million of the 40 million people affected with HIV and AIDS are from sub-Saharan Africa, according to the World Health Organization.

So it is commendable that Helms has decided to put more effort into helping combat the further spread of AIDS and HIV in the region.

It's just a shame that he is not willing to put that same level of energy into helping his fellow countrymen.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 784,032 cases of HIV and AIDS have been reported in the United States.

The spread of the diseases brings along with it a greater need to design programs aimed at promoting education about AIDS and HIV and expanding research on the issue.

While there has been some federal funding for AIDS programs over the years, the support of outside resources has been crucial to the programs' survival.

A great source for support over the years has been AIDSRideUSA, a program that sends thousands of cyclists across the nation to raise awareness about AIDS and HIV.

Since 1994, the program has raised more than $90 million for AIDS services.

But although such programs bring much-needed attention toward combatting AIDS and HIV, more should be done to ensure that the diseases do not spread any further.

And the greatest player in bringing about this change should be politicians.

Leaders such as Helms should step up and ensure that as more money is given to pay for AIDS relief in other nations, support is also given toward U.S.-based efforts.

Some might argue that Helms is only one man and that he alone might not do much to bring about change.

That's true. But given Helms' seniority in Congress and his huge following among conservatives, he is perhaps in the greatest position to help lead a change in public and political sentiments toward the diseases.

It should be made clear that directing more attention toward addressing the spread of HIV and AIDS in the United States does not belittle efforts to tackle the issue on a global level.

But it is a slap in the face to the hundreds of thousands of Americans affected with the diseases for Helms to say that their needs are not as important as the needs of people in another country and that they do not deserve the same level of attention.

It is my sincerest hope that during his last few months in office, Helms will end his long-standing battle against AIDS in our country and work alongside others in fighting the disease.

Any step, even a small one, could make a big difference.

But in the end, the decision to change is Helms' alone.

After all, it is his own legacy that is at stake.

Columnist April Bethea can be reached at adbethea@email.unc.edu.