Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34), who is chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Health Care Task Force and a senior member of the Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for funding federal health programs, released the following statement about World AIDS Day: “Today, December 1, we commemorate World AIDS Day – a day to remember those living with HIV/AIDS and those we have lost to this devastating disease.  In the 21 years since that first World AIDS Day in 1988, we have made tremendous progress.  Because of our investments in domestic and international HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment, and research, we have seen this disease progress from an acute terminal illness to a manageable chronic disease.  Our national investments have provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to millions of people while preventing millions of new HIV cases.

Despite the progress made over the last 25 years, the disease continues to plague communities worldwide, and here in the United States, the epidemic continues to grow. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1.1 million Americans are living with HIV/AIDS, and communities of color as well as young gay men are particularly at risk.  This number reflects an 11.3 percent increase in the number of people living with HIV from 2003 to 2006 and a new infection rate in 2006 that is 40 percent higher than previous estimates.  Clearly there is still much work to do. 

Getting tested is a first step to preventing the spread of this disease.  Each of us has an important role to play in encouraging our loved ones who may be at risk to get this confidential test.  We must not allow cultural barriers or stigma in our communities or families to stand in the way of identifying and treating this disease.  Today, I encourage all my constituents to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved.  Together we can end this epidemic.”