The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary, Marcia L. Fudge, recently commemorated World AIDS Day 2023 with a statement highlighting the department's efforts in fighting the disease.

In a HUD news release, it was revealed that the organization has implemented an initiative known as Housing as an Intervention to Fight AIDS (HIFA) competitive grant. This grant provides housing assistance and supportive services for low-income individuals with HIV and their families. Furthermore, HIFA projects are designed to introduce innovative measures that can be disseminated across broader provider networks.

Fudge stated, "Over the past 35 years, World AIDS Day has given us an opportunity to honor those who died due to AIDS-related illnesses and show our collective support for people across the world living with HIV." She continued by acknowledging the progress made in ensuring people with HIV can live full, healthy lives free from discrimination. "Medical advancements mean a positive diagnosis is not a death sentence. Increased awareness around HIV-related stigma has helped us identify and root out bias," said Fudge.

According to another HUD news release, the organization recently announced the HOPWA Housing Interventions (HINT) to End the HIV Epidemic Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). This initiative will provide $50 million in funding for programs aimed at halting the HIV epidemic while using housing as a tool in this endeavor. Moreover, HUD has formed a partnership with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This collaboration aims to increase access to information regarding sexually transmitted diseases and tools for pregnancy prevention among youth in HUD-assisted housing programs through CDC funding.

Fudge reiterated HUD's commitment towards ending the HIV epidemic by stating, "At HUD, we are working to ensure people with AIDS can live with dignity." She emphasized on their goal of protecting housing rights of those living with HIV through policies and programs that provide safe, affordable housing tailored to their needs. "All of us at HUD join the world community in remembering those we have lost and committing to doing all it takes to end HIV/AIDS and HIV-related stigma," concluded Fudge.