On World AIDS Day, Enzi Urges Stepped up Prevention Efforts

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today marked the 21st annual World AIDS Day by urging the United States and its partners across the world to expand their efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.

“We have made tremendous progress in combating HIV/AIDS at home and abroad, andI want to thank the countless individuals around the world who are dedicating their livesto saving the lives of others,” Enzi said.

“We must continue the fight against this global epidemic with every nation as a partner.We have learned valuable lessons about how to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. We needto apply those lessons and dramatically improve our domestic and internationalprevention and treatment programs.”

Enzi urged individuals to take responsibility for getting tested and knowing theirHIV/AIDS status, saying, “What can you do to mark World AIDS Day? Get tested. Askyour doctor to make an HIV/AIDS test part of your routine physical.

“An early diagnosis also opens the door to life-saving treatment. For so long, we couldonly treat the symptoms of AIDS and provide comfort to the dying. Today, we have theability to fight back.”

On October 30, 2009 the Ryan White programs were reauthorized to continue providingmillions of Americans living with HIV/AIDS with access to lifesaving treatments. The billensures that money follows the patient and includes incentives for state testinginitiatives.

# # #