Washington, DC—Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-16), Ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement in honor of the 10th anniversary of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). To view Rep. Engel’s statement from the House floor - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U5kmLs5ATc&feature=youtu.be

The statement follows:

“It is hard to believe that only 10 years ago, an HIV diagnosis was a death sentence for those living in Africa. It was downright disgraceful that even though life-saving therapy existed, millions of people were dying of AIDS because treatment was unaffordable. There are few votes I have taken in the course of my career that have made as significant a positive impact on this world than the votes I have cast in support of PEPFAR.

According to the Office of the United States Global AIDS Coordinator:

• As of September 2012, the United States is supporting life-saving antiretroviral

treatment for more than 5.1 million people.

• More than 11 million pregnant women received HIV testing and counseling in fiscal

year 2012.

• Adequate treatment resulted in approximately 230,000 infants being born HIV-free in

just the last year alone and this month, the one-millionth baby will be born HIV-free

as a direct result of PEPFAR.

• PEPFAR directly supported nearly 15 million people with care and support, including

nearly 5 million orphans and vulnerable children, in fiscal year 2012.

• PEPFAR directly supported HIV testing and counseling for more than 46.5 million

people in fiscal year 2012, providing a critical entry point to prevention, treatment,

and care.

The fact an AIDS-free generation is on the horizon is a true testament to the willingness of President Bush, President Obama, and Congress to take on this immense challenge and do the hard work necessary to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS.”

For more information on PEPFAR, please visit: https://www.pepfar.gov/

###