[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 173 (Tuesday, December 1, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          27TH WORLD AIDS DAY

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                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 1, 2015

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in 
recognition of the 27th World AIDS Day. Each year on December 1, we 
support those living with HIV/AIDS, commemorate those who have died 
from HIV/AIDS, and encourage the scientific advances being made in the 
field.
  Globally, there are 36 million people living with HIV and 35 million 
people have died from HIV and AIDS-related causes since the beginning 
of the epidemic since the first cases were reported in 1981. Since 70% 
of HIV cases are reported in sub-Saharan Africa, countries that are hit 
the hardest by this pandemic often face other infectious diseases, food 
insecurity, and other problems. While the number of newly infected 
individuals has declined, and the number of individuals receiving 
treatment has increased, we must remain vigilant with targeted funding 
and treatment in these vulnerable regions.
  Various Presidential Administrations have responded to the HIV/AIDS 
epidemic by focusing on specific countries and increasing funding 
levels. For example, the creation of the President's Emergency Plan for 
AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in 2003, which began during the Bush 
Administration and continued through the Obama Administration, brought 
new attention to address AIDS, as well as tuberculosis and malaria.
  While the global HIV/AIDS pandemic continues to receive steady 
funding through a robust U.S. and international response, the reaction 
in Texas for African Americans has been slower. In Dallas County, 43% 
of those living with HIV are black while only 33% are white. Of newly 
diagnosed HIV cases, 51% are black while only 22% are white. As for 
black females in Dallas County, one in 144 black women are already 
living with HIV and are eight times more likely be become infected than 
their white or Hispanic counterparts.
  Funding to reach and educate individuals on a grassroots level is 
extremely necessary to fight the types of battles we face with the HIV/
AIDS in South Dallas. That is why I have been a strong supporter of the 
Ryan White CARE Act extension packages each time they reached the House 
floor. We must place our resources where they will be the most 
effective. On this World AIDS Day, we need to commit ourselves to 
eradicating AIDS here at home and globally.

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