Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today to mark the 30th anniversary of the first diagnosis of AIDS, which falls on Sunday, June 5:
“This anniversary is a solemn occasion for those living with HIV/AIDS, for the families and friends of those who we have lost to this disease, for the Americans and people worldwide still struggling to find a cure. Since the first diagnosis 30 years ago, HIV/AIDS has taken our neighbors and loved ones, siblings and parents; it has struck our communities, and decimated towns and villages worldwide.
“Yet, despite the pain of these last three decades, there remain glimmers of hope: a growing chorus of advocates, activists, and concerned citizens have joined the fight to end HIV/AIDS; recent research, breakthroughs, and medical advances are enabling HIV/AIDS patients to live longer and healthier. Across the globe, treatment access has improved, and new infections and AIDS deaths are on the decline.
“In the Democratic Congress, we expanded investments in HIV/AIDS care, lifted the ban on federal funding for syringe exchange, and reauthorized the Ryan White Act. In passing health insurance reform, we increased access to Medicaid for people with HIV, strengthened the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, and ended discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. But more must be done.
“In my first speech on the House floor in 1987, I told my colleagues that I came to Congress to fight AIDS – because San Francisco had known the anguish caused by HIV/AIDS from the start. We were united then, and stand united today, in our drive to make this disease just a memory. On this anniversary, let’s redouble our efforts to fight HIV/AIDS with inspiration from those who we’ve lost, with determination, compassion, and hope. Let’s work toward a day when we mark not the first diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, but celebrate the end of this pandemic.”