April 19, 2004

AIDS Action’s Executive Director to Urge Increased Funding for All Domestic HIV Programs

Washington, DC - AIDS Action Executive Director Marsha A. Martin, D.S.W. will testify on the funding needs of domestic HIV/AIDS programs at a hearing before the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, tomorrow, April 20. The hearing will provide an opportunity for subcommittee members to learn about the funding needs of health-related federal programs before making their appropriations recommendations for FY 2005. Dr. Martin is the only speaker who has been invited to provide comments on the needs of HIV programs and the people they serve.

“The federal government’s commitment to funding research, prevention, and care and treatment for those living with HIV and AIDS is critical,” Dr. Martin asserts in her written testimony. Between 850,000 and 950,000 people are living with HIV in the United States, and approximately one-quarter of them, or 180,000 – 280,000 people, are unaware of their status and could unknowingly transmit the virus to another person. What’s more, some estimates now suggest that the number of new HIV infections is increasing to 60,000 cases a year, while estimates for new AIDS cases are increasing as well. The rising number of HIV+ people in the U.S. is creating a heightened need for comprehensive services, which cannot be met by the funding levels that President Bush requested in his FY 2005 Budget.

“HIV remains 100% preventable if we have the will to implement effective, evidence-based prevention programs,” Dr. Martin points out. But our response cannot stop at prevention alone. Ensuring that individuals living with HIV receive appropriate treatment and care and that HIV related research continues are equally important to the health of our country’s people and economy.

“It is my hope that the Congress, through the good work of this subcommittee, will address the true needs of the HIV/AIDS federal funding portfolio here at home,” she added.

The hearing will begin tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. and will be held in room 2358 of the Rayburn House Office Building. For more information, link to http://appropriations.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Detail&HearingId=433&Month=4&Year=2004.

 

AIDS Action Foundation strives to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic by working for public policies that promote prevention against new infections, provide care for people already living with HIV/AIDS, and support the search for a cure. AIDS Action is the national voice of all people living with HIV, representing community based organizations across the country.