WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson issued the following statement today in recognition of World AIDS Day.

"But make no mistake-our nation and the global community still has an uphill battle when it comes to finally eradicating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This is especially true within our minority population in the United States. Of the nearly one million Americans living with HIV/AIDS, nearly half are African American. Among young people ages 13 to 24, African Americans account for 55 percent of all HIV infections. And, tragically, HIV/AIDS has been a leading cause of death among black women, ages 25 to 34.

"My colleagues and I recognize the urgency to ramp up the fight against this destructive disease. Working with President Obama, Congress passed into law the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act, which will extend and improve essential care and treatment for more than half a million low-income Americans living with the disease.  And through the leadership of the Congressional Black Caucus, this legislation bolsters the Minority AIDS Initiative and makes significant investments in care, treatment and prevention services directed at minority populations. And of course, when we finally deliver comprehensive health-care reform to the American people, everyone impacted by this disease will be assured access to life-saving medical care, with no threat of being shut out due to a pre-existing condition.