DeLauro on World AIDS Day

Praises progress in ensuring care for those living with the disease

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) today released the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day, which seeks to raise awareness and focus attention on HIV/AIDS around the globe:

"On this World AIDS Day, I applaud the Obama Administration for their efforts to make the United States a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, increasing awareness and ensuring care for those who are living with the disease.

"In addition, I was pleased to support the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which would include important provisions for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Our bill will expand access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans, end denials of care based on pre-existing conditions, expand access to HIV coverage through Medicaid, and help people with HIV/AIDS afford their prescription drugs."

In October 2009, Congress passed the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, which reauthorizes the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) program for four years and increases the authorization level by 5% each year. The legislation will help restore much of the Ryan White funding Connecticut had lost in previous years.

An estimated 33 million people are living with AIDS around the world, with approximately 1 million in the United States. The International AIDS Society recently announced they will be holding their annual conference in Washington, DC in 2012.