Congresswoman Lee Applauds Updated National HIV/AIDS Strategy
Washington, D.C. – Today, President Obama signed an Executive Order releasing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy: Updated to 2020, a pivotal step in advancing the goal of an AIDS-free generation.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who strongly advocated for the creation of the original strategy in 2010, applauded the President’s action outlining the key priorities in domestic HIV/AIDS prevention, research and treatment over the next five years.
“In 2010, President Obama took a bold step in laying out a comprehensive strategy to combat HIV/AIDS and move us one step closer to an AIDS-free generation,” said Congresswoman Lee, who serves as a founding co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS caucus. “I am proud to have advocated with the President for the creation of this strategy, which was the first of its kind for the United States. As we continue to work to turn the tide on the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, I look forward to working with him and the Administration to execute its implementation.”
The updated strategy calls for particular focus on key priorities including: widespread testing and linkage to care, comprehensive care for those living with HIV, universal viral suppression and access to comprehensive pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP.) Additionally, the strategy addresses the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS infections on key populations, including gay and bisexual men, people of color, young people, and transgender people.
“The President’s updated strategy is a comprehensive look at the challenges facing those living with HIV and those most at-risk. People of color, transgender Americans and young people are disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. And despite significant medical advancement in the care, treatment and detection of HIV, vulnerable populations continue to face unequal access to lifesaving drugs and care. We must work to ensure that everyone has access to HIV testing, care, treatment and other medical options, in close consultation with a trained medical professional,” added Congresswoman Lee.
In Congress, Congresswoman Lee has been a tireless advocate for the National Strategy and all federal HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment programs, especially as a member of the House Appropriations subcommittee of Labor – Health and Human Services – Education. Additionally, she has authored or co-authored every major piece of HIV legislation since entering Congress.
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.