On World AIDS Day, the State Department emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in addressing HIV/AIDS. Secretary of State joins President Biden and Vice President Harris in urging for collective efforts to sustain and enhance progress towards eliminating HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

In recent years, the State Department has been actively involved in initiatives through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program, in cooperation with international governments, has significantly influenced the course of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It currently provides lifesaving treatment to over 20 million individuals across 55 countries. Reports indicate that this initiative is linked to economic growth within PEPFAR partner nations.

The call for bipartisan support on a straightforward five-year reauthorization of PEPFAR is deemed crucial. Such support is seen as vital not only for eradicating HIV/AIDS but also for implementing long-term plans through programs led by partner countries and communities.

World AIDS Day serves as a day of remembrance for more than 42 million people who have succumbed to HIV/AIDS. It highlights the ongoing risk posed by the virus if countries are not equipped with the necessary vision and capacity to maintain an effective response. Continued collaborative efforts are urged to ensure communities remain safe and thrive without the threat of HIV/AIDS.