SCHAKOWSKY URGES U.S. ACTION ON WORLDS AIDS DAY
DECEMBER 1, 2005
SCHAKOWSKY URGES U.S. ACTION ON WORLD AIDS DAY
CHICAGO, IL - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky today released the following statement in recognition of World AIDS Day. Representative Schakowsky is a co-author of H.R. 3854, the Microbicides Development Act, which would require a federal strategic plan to invest in and develop this life-saving HIV-prevention technology. Microbicides are topical gels or foams that would temporarily protect women against infection. They are not yet available on the market."The HIV/AIDS pandemic is one of the greatest threats to global security and to the future of people around the world. The United States has a responsibility to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS by containing the spread of the virus and investing in a cure."
"As the HIV virus has spread, the face of its victims has changed. Women now account for nearly half of the adults living with HIV/AIDS around the world. In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, gender inequalities have left women particularly vulnerable to infection. The battle to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among women will ultimately hinge on our ability to empower women to protect themselves."
"New preventive options such as microbicides would free women from having to rely on the discretion of their partner to protect their health. Even a partially effective microbicide could stop the infections of 2.5 million women over three years. But to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS among women, the United States must also fight violence against women at home and around the world."
FACTS ABOUT THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC
Since the HIV/AIDS pandemic began, it has claimed well over 25 million people worldwide. 3.1 million people died of AIDS-related causes in 2004. This year, nearly 5 million people (including 700,000 children) will be infected and over 3 million will die.
Around 40.3 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, 95% of whom live in developing countries.
HIV is the leading cause of death among people whose ages are 15 to 59 worldwide. Young people ages 15-24 account for 42% of new HIV infections and represent almost one-third of people living with HIV/AIDS globally.
In 2004, approximately 1.2 million women and 510,000 children under the age of 15 died of AIDS-related causes.
More than 13 million children under the age of 15 have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS, and this number is projected to double by 2010.
The majority of people living with HIV are not aware of their infection.
The hardest hit areas are Sub-Saharan Africa (25.8 million or 64% of those currently living with HIV/AIDS), South/Southeast Asia (7.4 million, 18.4%), Latin America and the Caribbean (1.8 million, 4.5%) and Eastern Europe/Central Asia (1.6 million, 4%).
The WHO goal of treating 3 million HIV-infected people around the world this year was missed by over 1 million.
HIV/AIDS AND WOMEN
Women now account for 46% of adults living with HIV/AIDS across the world, up from 41% in 1997.
Among young people (15-24), girls and young women account for half of new infections.
The trend is particularly acute in sub-Saharan Africa, where women are 57% of the HIV/AIDS population. This is because of gender inequalities in social and economic status, lack of access to preventive services, sexual violence.
In the United States, women have grown from 8% of new cases in 1985 to 27% in 2004.
African American women account for 67% of new AIDS cases in the U.S. among women, Latinas account for 15%.
Teen girls were half of HIV cases reported among 13-19 year olds in 2003.