[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 171 (Saturday, November 22, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING WORLD AIDS DAY

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize December 1, 2003, 
as World AIDS Day. On this day, many around the globe will celebrate 
the progress made in the battle against AIDS while raising awareness to 
the challenges that remain.
  Worldwide, an estimated 42 million people are living with the 
disease; 11.8 million are young people aged 15 to 24. Furthermore, more 
than half of those newly infected with HIV are between 15 and 24 years 
old--six thousand new infections each day, or 4 every minute.
  In Latin America, in 2001, approximately 130,000 adults and children 
were infected with HIV and 80,000 died of AIDS. Unfortunately, young 
people and women are becoming increasingly vulnerable.
  As we recognize World AIDS Day and celebrate the successes achieved, 
let us remember that our young people are at the center of this global 
crisis. They are our greatest hope in fighting this deadly disease and 
we should do all we can to deliver effective treatments and prevent new 
infections.

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