[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF WORLD AIDS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2011

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the goals and 
ideals of World AIDS Day. A day dedicated to bringing awareness to 
those who have died from the disease and the strides that have been 
made in the fight against it.
  This year marks 30 years after the first discovery of AIDS cases in 
the United States. The Center of Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 
33.3 million people have HIV worldwide, with 1.2 million persons who 
are living with HIV in the United States. Every 9\1/2\ minutes, someone 
in the U.S. is infected with HIV. One in five living with HIV is 
unaware of their infection. By race, African Americans face the most 
severe HIV burden. The impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic spans the nation 
with HIV diagnoses having been reported in all 50 states, the District 
of Columbia, and the U.S. dependencies, possessions, and associated 
nations.
  The theme for World AIDS Day 2011 is ``Getting to Zero.'' After 30 
years of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, this year the focus is on 
achieving 3 targets: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero 
AIDS-related deaths.
  The goal of ``Zero AIDS Related Deaths'' signifies an increased 
access to available treatments for all those infected. Currently, only 
one third of the 15 million people living with HIV worldwide who are in 
need of lifelong treatment are receiving it. Universal access to 
antiretroviral treatments for those living with HIV will not only 
decrease the number of AIDS related deaths, but will increase the 
quality of life among those infected and decrease transmission.
  World AIDS Day is an opportunity for all of us to learn the facts 
about HIV. By increasing the understanding of how HIV is transmitted, 
how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today--we 
can use this knowledge to take care of our own health and the health of 
others.
  Since its discovery, countless researchers, healthcare providers, 
politicians, and educators have contributed to the global initiative to 
contain and eventually eliminate the presence of AIDS in all corners of 
the world. Recent scientific advancements have resulted in 
revolutionary breakthroughs with the potential to reverse the epidemic 
in coming years. I ask my colleagues to join me in this goal, to 
remember those who have died of the disease and to celebrate 
accomplishments achieved, specifically the increased access to 
treatment and prevention services.
  It is imperative that we continue our efforts and work together to 
increase funding for HIV prevention and education, so that our children 
will be equipped with sufficient and appropriate knowledge of this 
growing threat within our communities until HIV/AIDS becomes a memory.

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