Nancy Pelosi: “I rise to join Representative Clayton in offering this amendment to ensure continued funding to reduce the burden of…”

“I rise to join Representative Clayton in offering this amendment to ensure continued funding to reduce the burden of hunger for HIV/AIDS patients and children orphaned by AIDS in the developing world. I commend Representative Clayton for her leadership on this issue, which affects so many millions of families worldwide. We have all heard the staggering statistics--36 million people infected with HIV, 22 million deaths from AIDS, and nearly 14 million children orphaned. Archbishop Desmond Tutu has said, "AIDS in Africa is a plague of biblical proportions. It is a holy war that we must win." It is indeed, and the battles in this war occur on many fronts. Poor nutrition accelerates the progression from HIV to AIDS. In addition to the prevention, treatment, and infrastructure needs that must be addressed to stem the tide of the pandemic, we must also recognize that good nutrition is critical to any prevention and care strategy. The impact of HIV/AIDS on poor families goes beyond the pain that accompanies the loss of a loved one.”