Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus Co-Chairs Introduce World AIDS Day Resolution
Washington, D.C. — Reps. Barbara Lee (CA-13) and Jenniffer González (PR-At Large), Co-Chairs of the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, today introduced a bipartisan resolution supporting the goals of World AIDS Day. This includes continued efforts to prevention, care and treatment services, and research programsfor communities impacted by HIV and people living with HIV in the United States and globally.
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 marks the 32nd annual World AIDS Day. This year’s World AIDS Day theme recognizes the importance of “Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility.” Globally, because of the efforts through PEPFAR and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria are dramatically reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS in developing countries.
“This year, as we mark the 32nd World AIDS Day, I am reflecting on the progress we’ve made and the challenges ahead as we face a global pandemic,” said Rep. Lee. “Because of programs like PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and the Ryan White Program, we have saved millions of lives across the globe and supported access to education, care and lifesaving treatment. This resolution is an important step toward bringing Congress together to achieve our shared goal of an AIDS-free generation.”
“Two new cases of HIV are reported on the island every day and approximately 9% of individuals who carry the virus have not been yet diagnosed,” said Rep. González. “That is why we need to combine efforts to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and support life-saving and research programs at home and abroad, that will help us achieve an AIDS-free generation. This resolution is a step in that direction and I thank Rep. Barbara Lee for working with me in a bipartisan manner to introduce it.”
Globally, an estimated 38 million people are living with HIV and more than 32 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic. The COVID-19 pandemic too risks undermining decades of progress. Recent data from PEPFAR also shows the disruptive impact of COVID-19 on the HIV response—in particular on testing and treatment for HIV, including for pregnant women.
The full text of the resolution is available here.