WASHINGTON, DC -- “The numbers are startling. Over the past 25 years, 25 million people have died from HIV/AIDS.  Today, an estimated 40 million people are suffering from the effects of the disease. Since we last recognized World AIDS Day 12 months ago, 4 million people have been diagnosed with HIV, and another 3 million have died from AIDS.   It is evident that more must be done if we are to save lives and win the war against HIV/AIDS.

“Universal attention to the devastating and widespread effect of the HIV/AIDS disease must be brought by world leaders, national and international AIDS organizations, government agencies and community associations. World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for the global community to join the fight to stop the spread of the HIV virus.

"As the 110th Congress prepares to hone its legislative agenda, critical and aggressive action must be taken to alleviate the proliferation of the disease not just in America, but around the world. Contaminated blood remains a source of HIV infection in developing countries. The prevalence of contaminated blood acutely impacts women requiring blood transfusions due to complications from pregnancy and childbirth, as well as children with life-threatening illnesses such as anemia.  A safe blood supply is critical in developing countries if we are to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS.

“When Congress convenes in January, I will introduce legislation requiring the Office of the United States Global AIDS Coordinator to work in coordination with other blood safety experts and private foundations, to implement a comprehensive strategy directed toward countries identified in the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to achieve the following:

1. A sufficient supply of safe blood to meet the needs of the country;
2. A continuous and adequate supply of voluntary non-remunerated blood donations from the safest possible donors from low risk populations;
3. The universal testing of donated blood, including quality assured screening of all donated blood for infectious diseases; and
4. The reduction of unnecessary transfusions; safe and rational blood utilization, and the use of alternatives to transfusions whenever possible.

“I call on my colleagues to join me as we fight this world-wide epidemic and renew our responsibility to help all affected by HIV/AIDS.”