[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10716]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCING A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE XIX INTERNATIONAL AIDS 
                               CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2012

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a 
resolution in support of the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 
2012), which takes place from July 22, 2012, through July 27, 2012, at 
the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. This 
year's conference is of particular significance, as it represents the 
return of the International AIDS Conference to the United States after 
the 1987 HIV travel and immigration ban was lifted in 2010. My 
resolution supports a stronger international response to HIV/AIDS that 
seeks to foster greater scientific and programmatic collaborations 
around the world in order to prevent the transmission of HIV; increase 
access to testing, treatment, and care; and improve health outcomes for 
all people living with HIV/AIDS.
  There are currently 33.4 million people living with HIV/AIDS 
worldwide, and more than 25 million have died of AIDS since the first 
cases were reported in 1981. In the United States, more than one 
million people are living with HIV/AIDS and approximately 50,000 
individuals become newly infected with the virus each year. 
Furthermore, one in five individuals living with HIV is unaware of 
their infection and societal stigma remains a significant challenge, 
underscoring the need for greater education about HIV/AIDS and access 
to testing. Significant disparities also persist across diverse 
communities and populations with regard to incidence, access to 
treatment, and health outcomes, particularly for men who have sex with 
men (MSM), racial and ethnic minorities, women, and young people.
  Since 1985, the now biennial International AIDS Conference has 
brought together the world's leading scientists, public health experts, 
policymakers, community leaders, and persons living with HIV/AIDS in 
order to address the major issues facing the global response to HIV/
AIDS; evaluate recent scientific developments and share knowledge; and 
facilitate a collective strategy forward. AIDS 2012 is organized by the 
International AIDS Society (IAS) and expected to convene more than 
20,000 delegates from nearly 200 countries, including 2,000 
journalists. The theme of AIDS 2012, ``Turning the Tide Together,'' 
embodies both the promise and urgency of utilizing recent scientific 
advances in HIV/AIDS treatment and biomedical prevention; continuing 
research for an HIV vaccine and cure; and scaling up effective, 
evidence-based interventions in key settings in order to change the 
course of the HIV/AIDS crisis.
  AIDS 2012 is a tremendous opportunity to further strengthen the role 
of the United States in global HIV/AIDS initiatives; re-energize the 
response to the domestic epidemic within the current context of 
significant global economic challenges; and focus particular attention 
on the devastating impact that HIV is having on different communities 
across the country. My resolution supports the goal of bringing renewed 
awareness of, and commitment to, addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 
United States and abroad. In particular, it recognizes that formulating 
sound public health policy; protecting human rights; advancing sexual 
and reproductive health and rights; addressing stigma, poverty, and 
other societal challenges; and ensuring accountability are key to 
overcoming HIV/AIDS. It also encourages the ongoing development of 
innovative therapies and advances in clinical treatment for HIV/AIDS in 
the public and private sectors.
  Mr. Speaker, continued commitment by the United States to HIV/AIDS 
research, prevention, and treatment programs is crucial to protecting 
global health. I urge my colleagues to support my resolution, which 
recognizes the importance of the XIX International AIDS Conference in 
the global effort to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic and create an ``AIDS-
free generation.'' We are closer to a future without HIV/AIDS than ever 
before. Together with the international community, we have the means to 
bring an end to HIV/AIDS once and for all. What we need now is 
leadership and solidarity.

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