Create a Generation Free of HIV

Dear President Obama,

I urge you to make women and children a priority in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

[Your comment will be inserted here]

A National HIV/AIDS Strategy must address women, infants, and children in three key areas:

* prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV;
* HIV testing and prevention services for pregnant women; and
* pediatric treatment and research.

We must act quickly. Last year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death among young black women aged 25 to 34 in the United States, and approximately one in four new HIV/AIDS diagnoses occur in women.

If swift action isn't taken soon, the consequences could be tragic. Millions more women, children, and families could suffer needlessly from HIV/AIDS. In 2000 to 2006 alone, the number of HIV-positive women of childbearing age increased by over 30 percent, resulting in a growing number of babies exposed to HIV. We must be vigilant in ensuring that more women and children do not contract this terrible virus. Please support women, children, and families in a National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Thank you for your commitment and leadership on this issue.