2/7/2008

Contact: Robert Yule
202-448-8456
ryule@pedaids.org

Washington, D.C.—The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation lauded Representatives Jim McDermott (D-WA) and Kay Granger (R-TX) for introducing a bipartisan bill yesterday to make mothers and children a priority in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. The Global Pediatric HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Act would set achievable targets for increasing access to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and expanding the number of children on treatment through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“We commend Representatives McDermott and Granger for ensuring sure that women and children are not left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Pamela W. Barnes, the Foundation’s president and chief executive officer.

Like its companion bill in the Senate introduced by Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Gordon Smith (R-OR), this bill would set a five-year target that 80 percent of pregnant women in PEPFAR countries receive HIV counseling and testing. All of those testing positive would be able to receive antiretroviral medicines that can significantly increase the chance that their children will be HIV-free. In addition, it would establish an expert panel to provide recommendations to the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) and Congress about how to remove barriers that are preventing the desperately needed scale-up of PMTCT services.

The bill also would require OGAC to set a target that within five years, 15 percent of those receiving care and treatment must be children. Children currently account for 16 percent of new HIV infections, but only 9 percent of those on treatment under PEPFAR.

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation urges Congress to include this legislation as part of the reauthorization of PEPFAR, which is scheduled for renewal in 2008. To learn more about the Foundation’s recommendations for how PEPFAR can maximize protections for children and their families, visit http://www.pedaids.org/News/Publications/Fact%20Sheet/PEPFAR%20Fact%20Sheets.aspx.
 
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About the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide.