WASHINGTON -  U.S. Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) issued the following statement today in observance of World AIDS Day:

“World AIDS Day is an opportunity for everyone around the world to join the global effort in raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, World AIDS Day is a time to recommit ourselves to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

“The United States is leading the global fight against AIDS, as demonstrated by President Obama’s commitment to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) – the largest unilateral pledge made by any nation to combat AIDS.  Still, there is more that needs to be done.  

“Here in the United States, more than one million Americans are estimated to be living with AIDS. Moreover, the rate of new infections is growing at an alarming rate among racial minorities.  

“I strongly believe that Americans living with AIDS deserve accessible and affordable health care and treatment.  That is why I proudly joined my colleagues last month and supported an extension of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. With the rise in costs of medical services, the funding increase will directly reduce the financial burden for many HIV-positive individuals with insufficient health care coverage. It will also boost opportunities for them to gain access to lifesaving services.

“World AIDS day is a time for us to remember the urgency of the global AIDS crisis, and to support the tireless fight against AIDS here at home and abroad.”

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