December 1st World AIDS Day – Resilience & Impact for Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Each year, 1st of December is recognized as the World AIDS Day and on this day we take time to reflect upon our worldwide response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic by remembering the millions we’ve lost over the past four decades, we also celebrate our achievements over the past year and pledge to figure out more innovative ways over the approaching year.

The U.S. Government theme for 2020 World AIDS Day is Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact are particularly poignant this year as our HIV community has been newly challenged by, and sometimes led the response to, COVID-19 in communities round the globe. COVID-19 has not only forced us to adapt our response to HIV/AIDS in communities to make sure continuity of services, but also reinforced the urgency of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic within the U.S. and round the world.

The theme reminds us of all we are able to achieve together once we concentrate on impact by using data to deliver top quality, people-centered HIV prevention and treatment services to those most in need, tackling stigma and discrimination, and empowering communities. It reaffirms the essential role of resilience, which enables individuals and communities to fulfill the challenge of HIV/AIDS even in times of adversity.

Globally, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the USG was able to save over 18 million lives, prevented numerous HIV infections, and moved the HIV/AIDS epidemic from crisis toward control in addition to than 50 countries. With nearly 18 years of strong and sustained bipartisan support, PEPFAR has delivered people-centered HIV services to millions in need, enrolling them during a continuum of care specific to their individual contexts as they evolve across their lifespan. We’ve significantly strengthened the capacity and resilience of partner country health and data systems, communities, and native partners to confront HIV and other disease threats, including COVID-19. And that we have forged strategic partnerships across sectors to drive greater impact, innovation, and sustainability.

Despite all that we’ve accomplished together, PEPFAR’s mission isn’t complete. Every day, and at every level of the program, we attempt to save lots of and improve more lives with every dollar we invest. That’s why PEPFAR remains widely considered together of the foremost compassionate, cost-effective, accountable, and transparent efforts within the history of American foreign assistance.

At home, as the USG looks towards a subsequent year of Ending the HIV Epidemic: an inspiration for America, and therefore the launch of an updated HIV National Strategic Plan, the Office of infectious disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) continues to figure with partners to form and implement programs, tools and funding to assist communities to address HIV in their jurisdictions. This World AIDS Day, the U.S Govermentent has officially launched the “I am Ready campaign” a campaign featuring Ready, Set, PrEP program. A program where all the participants will be telling their personal journeys with PrEP, which aimed toward increasing PrEP use and enrollment within the Ready, Set, PrEP program. Ready, Set, PrEP provides free PrEP to individuals without prescription coverage.

OIDP is additionally excited to start working with a broad group of stakeholders to plan and implement a national campaign to focus on the importance of viral suppression – that specialize in the 2nd pillar of the EHE campaign, “treat people with HIV rapidly and effectively to succeed in sustained viral suppression.” The community experts in the collaborative campaign will include input to spot public health messages which are innovative; it will also replicate best practices of community, increase awareness of HIV treatment and when facing social and structural barriers will support service options.

The theme of World AIDS Day reminds us, that HIV community has been resilient for the longest duration, overcoming obstacles and challenges and has constantly adapted their approaches for a life-saving impact.

On this day, as we reflect on those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and also COVID-19, we renew our commitment to figure with our wide and diverse stakeholder communities to continue making positive change across the globe.