[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 207 (Wednesday, December 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING DECEMBER 1ST AS WORLD AIDS DAY

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                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 1, 2021

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize December 1, 2021, as World AIDS Day. This is the 33rd year 
that the world will come together to raise awareness about preventive 
measures for HIV and AIDS.
  World AIDS Day has been observed globally since 1988, bringing 
attention to the HIV epidemic and speaking out against the stigma 
surrounding HIV and AIDS. This day is a call to end the HIV epidemic in 
the United States and across the globe. This year's theme of ``Ending 
the HIV Epidemic Equitable Access. Everyone's Voice'' emphasizes the 
significance or working together to achieve an AIDS-free generation. 
Recent progress for prevention and treatment tools provides us with the 
unprecedented opportunity to end the epidemic.
  Since 2010, deaths from HIV/AIDS have fallen by 48 percent in the 
United States, but we still have work to do. We must continue to 
educate and spread awareness about HIV and AIDS prevention measures. Of 
the approximate 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United 
States, 13 percent do not know they have HIV. It is imperative to 
implement programs at the local level to diagnose, treat, prevent, and 
respond to HIV. Together, we can end this.
  This is also a time to remember those we lost to HIV-related 
illnesses. The actions of groups across the country have helped bring 
us closer to our common goal. This year, the Rio Grande Valley's own 
Basilica of Our Life San Juan del Valle will be commemorating the lives 
lost to HIV/AIDS and marking the 30th anniversary of this event founded 
by Francisco Mendez.
  Madam Speaker, I stand here today to acknowledge the hard work of 
those in South Texas and across the world to end the HIV epidemic and 
to recognize December 1, 2021, as World AIDS Day.

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