April 8, 2009

AIDS Alliance Commends Obama Administration for Showing Dedication to Combating HIV/AIDS

Washington D.C. – AIDS Alliance praises the Obama Administration for reaffirming their dedication to the fight against AIDS by launching a new national HIV/AIDS communication campaign, Act Against AIDS, yesterday.

In a partnership between the White House, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the national HIV/AIDS communication campaign along with support from the Kaiser Family Foundation will be the first federally funded HIV/AIDS communication campaign in nearly twenty years.  The first phase of the far-reaching communication campaign was announced yesterday by key members of the partnership and HIV/AIDS community who developed the framework.  The campaign in total is expected to cost $45 million.

“AIDS Alliance for Children, Youth & Families is elated with the announcement of this campaign,” stated President Alelia Munroe., “Through large scale awareness efforts such as these, awareness can be raised and stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS can begin to be erased.  There is a need to bring the focus back to the domestic AIDS crisis and do more to support people who already have HIV, and prevent new infections from occurring.” 

During the launch, there was increased emphasis on ensuring the awareness of high-risk communities, specifically the African American and Latino populations, as well as the need to overcome the stigmas that have for so long been attached to HIV infection. The communication campaign’s theme is “Nine and a Half Minutes,” which represents every time there is one new American infection of HIV.  President Obama’s Administration is renewing the focus and increasing the urgency for awareness of domestic HIV/AIDS. Through the use of online banners, posters, affected people sharing their personal stories, and public service announcements, this campaign underscores a commitment that will hopefully lead towards comprising an official National AIDS Strategy.

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Founded in 1994, AACYF is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to advance the partnership between consumers and providers – we are the voice of women, children, youth and families living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  AACYF works to enhance and expand access to quality, comprehensive, family-centered care to America’s children, youth and families affected by HIV/AIDS, as it represents the nation’s network of over 650 Ryan White Part D funded community-based organizations.  Part D programs serve over 53,000 HIV-affected women, children, youth and families through sites located in 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.