We may never have heard of Dr. Ho before, but his contribution to mankind will be recorded in history's hall of fame. By the time the newest AIDS medications become available even to rich patients, most of today's 23 million sufferers will be dead, and many millions more will be yearning for a cure. But there are low-tech measures available now that can save millions of lives, even before a vaccine is found. Education, literacy and social justice will make the world's poor less susceptible to infection. Even the self-interested West cannot afford to sit back and watch the number of infected climb while scientists seek medical solutions.
Rich nations have to contribute to prevention efforts throughout the world right now.
My son David Barison died Jan. 1, 1995. He was only 30 years old. I wish he had been alive to see your choice for Man of the Year. But see how in less than two years there is at least a glimmer of hope. The media attention your choice will generate can only help the AIDS community.