[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 194 (Tuesday, December 18, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S15891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            GLOBAL HIV/AIDS

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise in recognition of World AIDS Day, 
which millions around the globe commemorated on December 1. Although 
this event will be a recent memory as the new year begins, it is my 
hope that its purpose will be reflected in our thoughts and actions 
throughout 2008 and beyond.
  World AIDS Day is a solemn opportunity to remember that HIV/AIDS 
continues to wreak havoc on individuals, families, and communities 
around the globe. Although the new estimates on HIV prevalence is good 
news, we cannot forget that AIDS is still a leading cause of death. 
More than 5,700 lives are taken by this disease every day, many just at 
a time when they are attending school, raising children, or 
contributing to society as productive adults. At the same time, nearly 
7,000 people become infected every day, meaning that as 2.5 million 
more people--about as many people in my home state of Nevada--will face 
the start of the new year with HIV/AIDS. More than 30 million globally 
are already living with HIV/AIDS today.
  In Nevada, the number of HIV and AIDS cases diagnosed each year since 
2000 is on the upward trend, and AIDS rates continue to 
disproportionately impact ethnic and racial minorities. Our State also 
ranks 14th in the Nation for the rate of adolescents and adults living 
with AIDS. As a Nevadan, as well as a Member of Congress, I know that 
more must be done to tackle the epidemic at home and abroad.
  In Congress, we must continue to support international AIDS relief 
programs like PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, 
and Malaria. It should be a priority to fund vital programs that fight 
HIV/AIDS domestically as well, especially the Ryan White Care Act and 
the National Family Planning Program, which works to prevent the spread 
of HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Medicaid in particular is a lifeline 
for vulnerable HIV/AIDS patients who would otherwise have no other 
means of receiving the care they need.
  In giving recognition to the human toll of the HIV/AIDS global 
epidemic, let us also heed the resulting call to action. From 
supporting prevention to treatment, individual remembrance to public 
awareness, let us all keep working together to ensure that the goals of 
World AIDS Day will soon become reality.

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