[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 152 (Friday, November 30, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   WORLD AIDS DAY--DECEMBER 1ST, 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 30, 2012

  Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
importance and significance of World AIDS Day.
  Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, December 1st is 
universally known as World AIDS Day. World AIDS Day serves to focus 
global attention on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. 
All governments, national AIDS programs, churches, community 
organizations and individuals are given the opportunity to display 
their commitment to fight this deadly disease.
  It has been more than 30 years since the first AIDS case was reported 
in the United States. It does not seem like it was too long ago, but 
HIV/AIDS had affected many around the world before the disease even 
made its way to America's shores. Since then, countless researchers, 
healthcare providers, politicians, and educators have contributed to 
the global initiative to contain and eventually eliminate its presence 
in all corners of the world.
  Although HIV/AIDS is no longer a mysterious and mischaracterized 
entity, it is the most relentless and indiscriminate killer of our 
time. And though a diagnosis is no longer the sealing of an immediate 
fate, it is the beginning of an indefinite battle for life, adequate 
health care, and for social belonging.
  With an estimated 38.6 million people worldwide living with HIV at 
the end of 2005, and more than 25 million people having died of AIDS 
since 1981, December 1st is a date which serves to remind everyone that 
action makes a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Let there be 
no mistake, we are here to acknowledge that AIDS is a deadly enemy 
against which we must join all our forces to fight and eliminate.
  Americans should be reminded that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. 
With an estimated 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 HIV-positive individuals 
living in the U.S. and approximately 56,000 new infections occurring 
every year, the U.S., like other nations around the world is deeply 
affected by HIV/AIDS.
  The detrimental effects of HIV/AIDS have also hit home. More than 
65,000 people in Texas are living with HIV. Thirty-Six percent more 
Texans are living with HIV today than just seven years ago. In 2010, 
studies showed that 1 in every 3 diagnosed persons in Texas were not 
getting proper medical treatment. We must make certain that every 
affected individual receive efficient medical treatment that will 
afford them long life.
  Not only is the state of Texas suffering from HIV and AIDS, but my 
district, the 18th Congressional District of Texas, has seen an 
increasing number of people living with the disease. In 2010, there 
were over 22,000 reported persons living with HIV (non-AIDS) in the 
greater Houston area, and more than 9,000 reported persons living with 
AIDS.
  This problem continues to escalate as there have been 1,700 new 
infections each year among individuals in Harris County, particularly 
among racial and ethnic minorities. We must continue to fight a tough 
fight to reverse all of these costly and tragic trends.
  I will continue to sponsor and co-sponsor legislation that addresses 
the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The fight is not over. We must continue to stand 
strong in our struggle to conquer some old and new challenges that we 
as Americans and members of the global community encounter.
  This Saturday, December 1st is World AIDS Day. And, we will focus on 
HIV/AIDS, prevention and awareness, and continue to fight for life. 
Together, we will help all of our friends, relatives, and children live 
healthy and full lives.

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