Congresswoman Waters Urges Support for the Minority Aids Initiative

Congresswoman Waters Urges Support for the Minority Aids Initiative

Washington, D.C. -- On April 29, 2004, Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-35) delivered letters to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations to urge them to provide an appropriation of $610 million for the Minority AIDS Initiative in fiscal year 2005. A bipartisan group of 112 Members of Congress signed her letter.

"This letter illustrates the tremendous support that the Minority AIDS Initiative has within Congress," said the Congresswoman. AI am proud that so many of my colleagues understand the importance of this initiative."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention=s latest available data on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, minorities represent over 70% of new AIDS cases in the United States. African Americans account for 51.7% of new AIDS cases, Hispanics 17.2%, Asian Americans/ Pacific Islanders 1.3%, and American Indians/Alaska Natives 0.5%. The disparities are even more apparent with regard to new pediatric AIDS cases. African American children represent 64% of new pediatric AIDS cases, Hispanic children 27%, and Asian American/Pacific Islander children 1% of such cases.

"Clearly, racial and ethnic minorities shoulder a disproportionate burden of HIV and AIDS in the United States today," said Congresswoman Waters.

Congresswoman Waters spearheaded the development of the Minority AIDS Initiative in 1998. The Initiative provides funds to community based organizations and other health care providers to help them address the HIV/AIDS epidemic within the minority populations they serve. Thus, it enables organizations and providers to expand and strengthen their capacity to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate care and services.

"The Minority AIDS Initiative fills gaps in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, surveillance, infrastructure, outreach and education across communities of color," said Congresswoman Waters. AI strongly urge the Appropriations Committee to fully fund this critical program in fiscal year 2005."