Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day which takes place on December 1, 2012:

"On Saturday people all over the world will unite to work towards the goal of eradicating HIV/AIDS in our communities. World AIDS Day is a time to highlight the progress we have made and outline the work that has to be done to achieve AIDS-free generations in the future.

This year's theme for World AIDS Day is "Working Together for an AIDS-Free Generation." On Thursday, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton of the State Department announced the PEPFAR Blueprint: Creating an AIDS-free Generation. This plan aims to work collaboratively with global partners to use resources more effectively, focus on gender equality in HIV services, end discrimination, and establish concrete standards to consistently assess progress.

This disease has ravaged our global community. The Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report last year that cited 2011 as a significant year of positive change in ending HIV/AIDS.  While more than 34 million people around the world are living with the epidemic, new HIV/AIDS infection rates and related deaths have fallen to the lowest levels in thirty years thanks to the advances in antiretroviral therapy and facilitated access to care.

America has also long-suffered from the devastating impact that HIV/AIDS has had on our communities. There is a disturbing disproportionate impact of new HIV/AIDS infections in black and Hispanic communities. Many aren't even aware they have it.  I have authored the National Black Clergy for the Elimination of HIV/AIDS Act, which would authorize several federal health agencies such as the National Institute of Health, Office of Minority Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, and the CDC to intensify awareness prevention, community outreach, testing, behavioral research, and increase grants to faith-based organizations in the black community.

Despite the strides we have made in reducing new infection rates and creating new treatment methods, there is still much work to be done. It won't be an easy feat to achieve an AIDS-free generation. It is a shared responsibility that we must all prioritize and make a reality in honor of those lives that have been lost and those who still struggle with the devastating disease every day."

To find out how you help us achieve an AIDS-free generation click here: Ending HIV/AIDS.