Introduction of Resolution Supporting HIV-Positive Mothers and Ending New HIV Infections in Children
May 9, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Robert Yule, EGPAF: 202.448.8456; ryule@pedaids.org
Lindsay Gilchrist, m2m: 303.910.4172; lindsay@us.m2m.org
MEDIA ADVISORY
WHO:
- Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ)
- Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA)
- Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA)
- Tlalane Phafoli, mentor mother from Lesotho
- Deborah von Zinkernagel, Principal Deputy Global AIDS Coordinator, Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator
- Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
- mothers2mothers
WHAT: Press conference to introduce House resolution reaffirming U.S. leadership on the global elimination of pediatric HIV/AIDS, with remarks by leaders of House HIV/AIDS Caucus and mentor mother from mothers2mothers
WHEN: 1 PM EST, Thursday, May 10, 2012
WHERE: House Triangle, Capitol Complex, Washington, D.C. (Rain venue TBD)
WHY: In honor of Mother’s Day on May 13th, Congress recognizes the potential to end new cases of HIV in children worldwide, and keep HIV-positive mothers alive and healthy. More than 90% of new pediatric HIV infections occur when mothers unknowingly pass the virus to their babies – but these infections are almost 100% preventable. For the past decade, the U.S. Congress and implementing organizations have led global efforts to provide care and treatment for mothers living with HIV, and to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Now there is growing momentum toward achieving an AIDS-free generation, starting with mothers and children.
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About the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF):
The Foundation is a global leader in the fight against pediatric HIV and AIDS, and has reached more than 13.6 million women with services to prevent transmission of HIV to their babies. It currently works at nearly 6,000 sites and in 15 countries to implement prevention, care, and treatment services; to further advance innovative research; and to execute strategic and targeted global advocacy activities in order to bring dramatic change to the lives of millions of women, children, and families worldwide. Learn more at @EGPAF.
About mothers2mothers (m2m):
mothers2mothers uses a simple and proven model to eliminate transmission of HIV and sustain the health of women and children. We educate, employ and empower mothers living with HIV to work alongside doctors and nurses in understaffed health centers and clinics to provide life-saving information and one-on-one support to other women. Learn more at www.m2m.org or follow us @m2mtweets.
About the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus (formerly the Congressional Task Force on International HIV/AIDS):
The bi-partisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus was created to examine methods by which the United States can maintain global leadership in the response to the epidemic. In the 112th Congress, the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus will explore five thematic areas: implementation of the US National HIV/AIDS Strategy, financing for bilateral and multilateral HIV/AIDS programs, the state of HIV/AIDS research, the role of faith-based organizations, and the 2012 International AIDS Conference to be held in Washington, D.C. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/AIDSCaucus.
