Congresswoman Barbara Lee Observes World AIDS Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Barbara Lee, co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, released the following statement marking December 1st as World AIDS Day.
“This year, as we mark World AIDS Day, I am reflecting on the progress we’ve made and recommitting to the work that remains. Because of programs like PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and the Ryan White Program, we have saved tens of millions of lives from AIDS, and helped millions of children be born HIV-free.
“As we mark this World AIDS Day, I hope we can come together to protect lifesaving public health programs. We must keep pushing forward together to realize our shared goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation.
“This year’s theme is ‘communities make the difference’ – and I know how true that can be. In my home district, we have seen the impact of the AIDS epidemic firsthand, and are working every day to reduce the stigma and increase access to care. We are also looking ahead to the AIDS 2020 Conference and the return of the AIDS Memorial Quilt. AIDS 2020 will be jointly hosted in Oakland and San Francisco and help shine a light on the realities of the epidemic here at home. As we celebrate the progress we’ve made thus far, I look forward to continuing the fight against HIV and AIDS both at home and around the world.”
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