Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Melvin L. Watt (D-NC), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), today released the following statement on behalf of the CBC commemorating World AIDS Day 2005:

"Today, as we commemorate World AIDS Day 2005, the global community will come together in a spirit of remembrance for those who have lost their lives to AIDS and to commit to stopping the spread of this deadly virus.

"This year's theme, "Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise," was selected to inspire the 189 members of the United Nations - of which the United States is a member - to strive to achieve the goals they agreed to in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"The members of the Congressional Black Caucus strongly urge the Bush Administration to "Keep the Promise" by fully funding the fight against AIDS and to respond to the epidemic in a manner that adequately reflects its urgency.

"World AIDS Day should remind everyone that action makes a difference in the struggle against this global crisis.

"According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there was an estimated 39.4 million people, worldwide, living with HIV at the end of 2004, and more than 20 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.

"Americans should be reminded that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. HHS estimates that 1,039,000 to 1,185,000 HIV- positive individuals are living in the U.S. With 35,000 to 40,000 new infections occurring every year, the U.S., like other nations around the world, is deeply affected by HIV/AIDS.

"HIV/AIDS is taking a devastating and disproportionate toll on people of color in the United States. Overall, African Americans account for 37 percent of estimated total AIDS deaths and 42 percent of all persons estimated to be living with AIDS.

"The Congressional Black Caucus will continue to lead the HIV/AIDS fight in Congress and support beneficial programs that are making progress against this devastating disease."