“I also believe that government should work in partnership with our nation’s pharmaceutical researchers...”
This is the same attitude as the one on stem cell research. Somehow, the results of the research depend on the source of funding. Private funding will not develop useful fetal stem cell technology nor will it develop an HIV vaccine. Only government money can do that.
Breakthroughs are needed in all areas of viral disease research, it’s not just retroviruses that are a danger. We got lucky with smallpox and polio, but there are a number of viral killers that need attention, not just HIV.
Did you know that you can get aids from a blood transfusion? That’s right. If a person with HIV gives blood before the disease has begun to progress enough, the tests on the blood can be negative. This means anyone could get aids (eg. after a bad accident) no matter what their lifestyle is.