Although medicines exist to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, children are still born HIV-positive each year in the United States. Today, even one child growing up with HIV/AIDS is one too many.
Last year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death among young black women aged 25 to 34 in the United States, and approximately one in four new HIV/AIDS diagnoses occur in women. More must be done to help women living with HIV/AIDS!
The White House is developing a National HIV/AIDS Strategy to address the growing epidemic in the U.S. The opportunity for action is now and we must be vigilant in ensuring that more women and children do not contract this terrible virus.
Sign the petition to President Obama to make women and children a priority in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
Dear President Obama,
I urge you to make women and children a priority in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
[Your comment will be inserted here]
A National HIV/AIDS Strategy must address women, infants, and children in three key areas:
* prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV;
* HIV testing and prevention services for pregnant women; and
* pediatric treatment and research.
We must act quickly. Last year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among young black women aged 25 to 34 in the United States, and approximately one in four new HIV/AIDS diagnoses occur in women.
If swift action isn't taken soon, the consequences could be tragic. Millions more women, children, and families could suffer needlessly from HIV/AIDS. In 2000 to 2006 alone, the number of HIV-positive women of childbearing age increased by over 30 percent, resulting in a growing number of babies exposed to HIV. We must be vigilant in ensuring that more women and children do not contract this terrible virus. Please support women, children, and families in a National HIV/AIDS Strategy.
Thank you for your commitment and leadership on this issue.
