Statement by Kathleen G. Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services, on the Repeal of the HIV Entry Ban.WASHINGTON -- Today, we will publish a rule in the Federal Register announcing that the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. will drop HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. from the list of diseases barring visitors from entering this country, effective Jan. 1, 2010. Though the United States has been a leader worldwide when it comes to ending the stigma of HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome , we've been one of only 12 countries who, by their policies, still enable the myth that HIV/AIDS is a threat. Lifting the HIV "entry ban" represents the same blow against stigma that Ryan White himself fought for from the time he was 13 years old and contracted HIV/AIDS. It's appropriate that the nation is taking the final step to lift the entry ban as President Obama signs the fourth reauthorization of the Ryan White CARE Act The Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act (Ryan White Care Act, Ryan White, Pub.L. 101-381, 104 Stat. 576, enacted 1990-08-18) was an Act of the U.S. . The ability to travel freely and have access to affordable health care should be available to everyone. This change has been a long time coming, and I am pleased it is happening now. Note: All HHS HHS Department of Health and Human Services. press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news. |
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