Speaker Nancy Pelosi
released the following statement on World AIDS Day.
"World AIDS Day gives us an opportunity each year to assess the
progress we have made together in the fight against HIV/AIDS and to
consider what more we can do to help alleviate poverty and disease at home
and in the developing world.
"This year's World AIDS Day theme is 'Keep the Promise - Leadership.'
It is a reminder that we all must do more. Across the developing world,
HIV/AIDS is devastating productive members of these societies, discouraging
economic development and orphaning millions of children.
"Last week, UNAIDS and the World Health Organization released more
accurate figures that reduce the number of people estimated to be living
with HIV and new HIV infections. While the report is welcome news, the
numbers are still staggering: 2.5 million new HIV infections each year, and
a worldwide total of 33 million people infected with HIV. The need for
stronger U.S. leadership and a sustained commitment from the international
community is clear.
"I am proud that one of the first actions taken by the new Congress was
to provide $4.5 billion for global AIDS initiatives, representing a $1.3
billion increase over the previous year. We followed up this year by
passing an additional $6 billion commitment for global AIDS -- the highest
levels of funding ever appropriated by the U.S. to fight infectious
diseases worldwide.
"We have an opportunity to do even more. Congress will soon consider
legislation to reauthorize the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
(PEPFAR). This is an opportunity to show that America stands with
developing nations as they fight this deadly disease. Greater investments
in treatment and care can strengthen health systems and give new hope to
millions, and a renewed focus on education and the elimination of
gender-based violence can make significant strides in preventing a new
generation of HIV-infected young people.
"Recently reported increases in both new HIV infections and new AIDS
cases in the United States call out for stronger leadership domestically as
well. This year, Congress passed the largest increase in seven years for
the Ryan White initiative, which provides care and treatment to more than
half a million low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. Significant
increases are also pending for HIV prevention, the Housing Opportunities
for People with AIDS program, and health research at the National
Institutes of Health. In addition, the Early Treatment for HIV Act, which I
first introduced nearly a decade ago to expand Medicaid coverage to allow
people living with HIV to stay healthy and active, was reintroduced earlier
this year with strong bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.
Keeping people healthy saves lives. It is good health policy. We must pass
this bill and we will.
"On World AIDS Day, let us renew our commitment to stop this deadly
disease and to a future where AIDS is no longer a threat."
Source: Office of the Speaker of the House
Digg
Reddit
Slashdot