[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY

  (Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. MUCARSEL-POWELL. Madam Speaker, today is National Women and Girls 
HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
  In the United States, 235,000 women and girls are living with HIV, 
and they make up one in four new diagnoses, with Hispanic and African-
American women disproportionately impacted.
  Although, nationwide, new HIV cases are declining, in Miami-Dade 
County they are, sadly, on the rise, making today so important for my 
district.
  Let's remember, also, that this disease yet has no cure. Awareness is 
critical to reduce transmission. Knowing your status is crucial.
  But the reality is that one in nine women with HIV are unaware that 
they have it. That is why testing and preventive medication like PrEP 
need to be accessible and affordable. We must also be aware that some 
women living with HIV postpone care because of fears of rejection by 
loved ones or violence from a partner.
  It is on us to do our part to spread awareness, reduce stigma, and 
support women and girls living with HIV and AIDS.

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