A National
Delegation of the Commission will dialogue with leaders at the
International AIDS Conference in Mexico City to share and learn about successful strategies in response
to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
To see full report, click here.
New York, NY – July 30, 2008—“Hispanics
in the United States are the second most affected community, it is
estimated that more than 200,000 individuals had been diagnosed with
HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS in the Latino communities has reached a
crisis level. Representing only 15.3% of the population in the U.S.
and its territories, Latinos now constitute 22% of the HIV/AIDS cases
diagnosed in 2006.” Stated Dennis de Leon, President of the Latino Commission on AIDS
“For the Latino Commission on AIDS to share the seriousness of this
health crisis for Latinos in the United States, the global community
needs to be aware of these facts, our struggles and our commitment to
advocate for a comprehensive response for those impacted by HIV/AIDS, I
will continue advocating for all individuals to routinely test for HIV,
for culturally competent prevention services and access to care, we all
deserve that.”
“The
prevention and access to care needs of Latinos are complex and diverse,
and we need leadership in this fight. I hope that the current US
Administration and the next President of the United States will take
actions in formulating a robust domestic AIDS agenda sensitive to the
needs of all communities and relevant to the cultures of the Hispanic
communities.” Concluded de Leon.
“We need AIDS
awareness both in Spanish and English in our community. HIV is totally
preventable. We need to reach every segment of our communities in rural
and urban areas,” stated Guillermo Chacon, Vice President of the Latino
Commission on AIDS. “We call for a commitment at all levels in
confronting stigma associated with HIV/AIDS” concluded Chacon.
The
Latino Commission on AIDS is committed to promote a comprehensive
response to the diverse needs related to HIV/AIDS of Latino/Hispanic
communities in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Island. To access the report please visit www.latinoaids.org
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ABOUT THE LATINO COMMISSION ON AIDS
The Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA) is a nonprofit membership
organization founded in 1990 dedicated to fighting the spread of
HIV/AIDS in the Latino/Hispanic communities. The Commission is the
leading national Latino AIDS organization coordinating National Latino
AIDS Awareness Day and other prevention and advocacy programs in more
than 40 States and Puerto Rico. For more information visit:
www.latinoaids.org or
www.nlaad.org.
UNIDOS PODEMOS / UNITED WE CAN
