Washington, D.C. - Congressman Charles Rangel released the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011, which marks the beginning of AIDS Awareness Month:

"Today we unite in solidarity to eradicate HIV/AIDS in our communities across the world. We stand together to raise awareness about the epidemic so we can prevent further spread of the deadly virus and give hope to the 33.3 million people worldwide who are suffering from this terrible illness.

In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over one million people are HIV positive. What is even more tragic is that one in five people infected are unaware of it.  HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death for both the African American and Hispanic communities and presents a great hazard to our society.

I believe Congress has a moral obligation to continue funding to eliminate HIV/AIDS despite our budgetary challenges. Earlier this year I introduced 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 African American community.

This year's theme for World AIDS Day is 'Getting to zero'. That means zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths. These are common goals shared globally regardless of race, religion or political ideologies. Yet we can only accomplish these goals in America if we work together, Democrats and Republicans, in supporting bold initiatives and legislation to combat HIV/AIDS in our communities."