December 1, 2010

 Washington, D.C.—Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following statement on World AIDS Day:

"World AIDS Day is a reminder of our ongoing struggle with AIDS and that HIV/AIDS remains an issue of the utmost importance in America as more than 1 million people live with this disease. We have made important progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS both at home at abroad.  This summer, the president announced our nation’s first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy.  The Affordable Care Act makes a critical investment in HIV/AIDS prevention efforts and improves access to coverage for individuals living with HIV and AIDS.  Thanks to the new law, insurers can no longer deny coverage to children living with HIV and AIDS, cannot impose lifetime caps on benefits, and are prohibited from rescinding coverage to individuals with HIV and AIDS.    

"Our efforts to combat HIV and AIDS around the globe are continuing through prevention education and increased access to anti-retroviral medication. However, despite this progress, many challenges remain.  As we commemorate World AIDS Day, we must renew our commitment to fight HIV and AIDS at home and around the world.”