Rep. Waxman Statement in Recognition of World AIDS Day
Today Ranking Member Henry A. Waxman issued the following statement regarding World AIDS Day:
"I have been working on HIV and AIDS for a very long time now—from before the disease had a name. We have come a long way since then. We have a sophisticated understanding of this disease and how to reduce the risk of transmission. We have treatments that keep people alive and healthy.
"Still, we have a lot of work remaining to achieve the goal of an AIDS-free generation. Domestically, we need to continue to support the Ryan White program, which provides care to over 500,000 Americans living with HIV/AIDS. And while the Affordable Care Act is now providing comprehensive health coverage to millions of uninsured Americans, we need all states to expand Medicaid and we must remain vigilant to ensure that insurance plans cover the drugs and therapies that HIV/AIDS patients need. Internationally, the US must continue to support the PEPFAR strategy to combat AIDS around the world. We cannot retreat or shortchange programs to give access to affordable, anti-retroviral drugs that we have developed. Finally, we need to keep investing in research for a cure and the development of an effective vaccine.
"World AIDS Day is an opportunity for us to show our support for those living with HIV/AIDS, remember those who have lost their lives, and renew our focus on the work we have ahead."