Washington, DC – Today, in commemoration of World AIDS Day, Congresswoman Gwen Moore called for a renewed focus and commitment across the globe to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
“As we recognize World AIDS Day, we must all recommit ourselves – as a global community - to combating the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
“Globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. More than 25 million people between 1981 and 2007 have died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
“In the United States, there are over 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and about 20 percent of them do not know they are infected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 50,000 new HIV infections every year and more than 16,000 people with AIDS died in 2008.
“In my district, we have seen an increase in the number of cases with Milwaukee county accounting for 57 percent of all cases reported in the state. Additionally, we are seeing a dramatic increase of cases among African American men who have sex with men (MSM). Today, Young Black MSM accounted for 38% of cases with known risk exposure in Milwaukee County in 2010 compared to 6% in 2000.
“Today, many scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV, and we understand so much more about the condition. Still, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others from HIV, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with HIV. World AIDS Day is important as it reminds the public and Government that HIV remains a huge across the globe. There is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
“I have joined with my colleagues in support of a number of measures that address the HIV/AIDS epidemic including supporting critical HIV and hepatitis provisions in the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) package such as annual screening for HIV as a preventative procedure. I also support full funding for a range of HIV/AIDS programs, such as the Ryan White Care Act
"In the spirit of World AIDS Day and this year's theme of ‘Getting to Zero’ - in hopes of achieving zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths - I call on my colleagues to take advantage of this moment and come together in a bipartisan manner with the administration to find the will and the funding necessary to stop this disease.”
World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.
###
For More News Updates
Follow Gwen Moore on Twitter @RepGwenMoore and
Like Gwen Moore on Facebook
