Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement today marking World AIDS Day:

“World AIDS Day affords us an opportunity to reflect on our progress in fight against the global AIDS pandemic and to rededicate ourselves to ending the disease once and for all.

“We have come a long way since the first World AIDS Day in 1988. We have dramatically expanded investments in HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment, and research. Strong advocacy has paved the way for the Ryan White Act, the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS Initiative, growing investments in NIH research, and an end to the ban on federal funds for syringe exchange. Beyond our borders, our efforts have extended care to millions in the developing world, through increased resources for PEPFAR and the Global Fund.

“Our investments have saved lives – preventing millions of new HIV cases, expanding access to improved treatments, and enabling medical advances that help HIV/AIDS patients live longer and healthier. Here and across the globe, AIDS deaths are on the decline – with UNAIDS estimating that 700,000 deaths were averted last year. Studies are pointing the way to new ways to limit the spread of the disease, with treatment as prevention. Yet, while our efforts have grown, we still only reach half of all people eligible for HIV treatment; and more must be done.

“Working together, we must continue to strengthen – not weaken – our national and international efforts to combat AIDS and other infectious diseases. We must work to achieve the Obama Administration’s goal of an AIDS-free generation. We must honor the memory of those we have lost and act on our hope, optimism, and determination to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

“We must continue to work with programs and clinics, like the Harris County Hospital District (HCHD), who are treating and caring for patients with HIV/AIDS. In 1989, HCHD opened Thomas Street Health Center, the first free-standing facility dedicated to outpatient HIV/AIDS care in the nation. The center has become the cornerstone of all HIV/AIDS care available to Harris County residents.

“The Thomas Street Health Center has dedicated their services to about 25 percent of Harris County’s HIV/AIDS. Annually, the health center, along with HCHD, serves 4,463 unique patients for about 37,000 patients’ visits.

“We will continue to fight a tough fight against HIV and AIDS. We will continue to strengthen and support centers like Thomas Street Health Center who work diligently with HIV/AIDS patients. Our focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness will be to ensure all of our friends, relatives and children live healthy and full lives.”