International AIDS Conference Marks Great Progress in Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today said great progress has been made in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, but there still remains much work to be done.  Enzi released his statement to mark the start of the International AIDS Conference, scheduled to be held July 22-27, in Washington, D.C.  The conference will bring together HIV/AIDS experts to discuss the advances being made in the path forward to halt the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

“It is a very exciting time for the International AIDS Conference to be held here in Washington D.C.  Recent research has shown that the global community has made incredible strides against HIV/AIDS while improving care and treatment for people living with AIDS,” said Senator Enzi. “We have made tremendous progress with the public health and scientific advancements so far and must continue towards the goal of a HIV/AIDS-free generation.  It is crucial that we continue to work nationally and internationally to prevent new infections and to ensure people living with HIV/AIDS have access to the best treatment and care they need.”

Senator Enzi joined several of his colleagues this week to send a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), regarding the agency's ineffective and inconsistent oversight of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.  The senators addressed the critical importance of the program’s treatment focus and the need to identify the program’s problems quickly in order to better address them.

“When it comes to this important program, it is critical to ensure that federal resources are being properly used, especially when we are close to critical breakthroughs,” wrote the senators. “We must ensure that funds are being used efficiently, effectively, and properly on behalf of HIV/AIDS patients who are in the greatest need of assistance.”

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