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"We know all too well the tragedy of this disease -- more than 688,000 Americans have been diagnosed with AIDS and more than 410,800 have lost their lives since the epidemic began in 1981. Worldwide, the toll is even more devastating with an estimated 2.6 million deaths and 5.6 million new HIV infections this year alone, according to a recent report by the United Nations AIDS program.

"Yet, as the century comes to a close, we also have reason to be encouraged. In just three years, from 1995 to 1998, AIDS related mortality in the United States dropped from 50,000 deaths a year in 1995 to an annual rate of just under 20,000. Since 1987, AIDS has fallen from the number one killer overall to the sixteenth. There are more HIV/AIDS therapies than ever before. More people are in care and receiving these vital drugs, living longer lives in better health. Our investment in AIDS research has grown greatly -- and important new investments to develop a vaccine are well underway. The time for approving new AIDS drugs is shorter than ever before, and more new drugs are in development now. We have more access to rural care, more primary care, and more treatment than ever before.

"In spite of the progress, we must also recognize that we are a long way from winning this battle. Although overall AIDS mortality rate is beginning to stabilize in this country, AIDS death rates in the U.S. remain nearly 10 times higher among African Americans than whites. To address these disparities, a highly targeted new investment of $156 million was directed toward racial and ethnic minority populations in FY 1999 and will be increased in FY 2000. If we are to continue to make progress in eliminating health disparities in the next century, a key to our efforts will be prevention, particularly in communities of color.

"Now is not the time to become complacent. We must continue to strengthen and expand prevention programs. I am proud that there has been an approximately 75 percent increase in the HHS budget for prevention efforts since President Clinton took office. At the same time, we must continue to invest in biomedical research to develop even more effective therapies and step up efforts to increase people's awareness of their HIV status and access to early treatment.

"It has been my privilege to serve in an Administration that has not been complacent in the fight against AIDS. Overall funding for AIDS-related programs within HHS has increased by 131 percent over the last six years, with funding for AIDS care under the Ryan White CARE Act increasing by 314 percent and assistance for the purchase of AIDS drugs increasing by 915 percent. Last month, working with the Congressional Black Caucus, we secured $245 million to fund the President's initiative to improve the nation's effectiveness in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS in minority communities. And I am pleased today to announce a new $11 million grant program to provide innovative health care and support services for people with HIV/AIDS living in the U.S.-Mexico border region.

"Last June, I stood with President Clinton as he dedicated the foundation of the Dale and Betty Bumpers Vaccine Research Center at the National Institutes of Health. While we must do all we can to care for people with HIV/AIDS, it is vital that we also focus on prevention and an effective vaccine for our nation and our world. It must be our shared goal that during the first part of the new millennium we unlock the secrets of AIDS and find a vaccine that will stop this disease once and for all.

"Finally, it is fitting this World AIDS Day is focused on the world=s children -- particularly those who have been orphaned by AIDS. Fortunately, a major success has been achieved in preventing new HIV infection among babies, with a 73 percent decrease in new AIDS cases among infants. Our greatest treasures and our greatest hope for the future are our children. It is for them that we must never give up the fight to end this terrible disease."

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