Statement in Recognition of World AIDS Day

Washington, DC – World AIDS Day is December 1. In recognition, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz released the following statement:

“Today, communities across the globe come together to recognize World AIDS Day. We stand with those living with HIV/AIDS, honor those we’ve lost and recommit ourselves to the fight.

“Under President Obama’s leadership, America has been at the forefront of this global mission. In 2010, the Administration unveiled its National HIV/AIDS Strategy, in an effort to keep rates of HIV infection from rising and increase access to care for those infected, especially for those in communities where rates are highest. And under the Affordable Care Act, Americans have been given access to preventive services while those battling the disease will finally be able to get comprehensive treatment without risk of being denied coverage due to their pre-existing condition or going bankrupt due to lifetime caps.

“The international community shares the common goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation, and while we have made tremendous progress since the first World AIDS Day in 1988, we have so much more to do. We must redouble our commitment to expanding education about prevention, testing, treatment, research and investment toward finding a cure.

“We are moving in the right direction in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but we are not satisfied. Today, as we recognize World AIDS Day, we reaffirm our commitment to those living with HIV/AIDS and renew our dedication to ending this devastating pandemic.”