UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

STATEMENT BY SPOKESPERSON BENJAMIN SUARATO
World AIDS Day
Each year, we observe World AIDS Day to honor people living with and affected by HIV, remember those we have lost, and recommit to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030. For decades, USAID has worked to support those affected by HIV, as well as the health workers, scientists, researchers, advocates, and communities dedicated to the HIV response.

The theme “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress” underscores the long-term leadership of the United States to galvanize global solidarity and make critical investments to reduce HIV transmission, improve access to treatment, and advance transformative partnerships to sustain a locally-led HIV response.

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, has saved more than 25 million lives and helped more than 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free across 55 countries. Since 2003, USAID has been a proud partner in this bipartisan, whole-of-government response that showcases the best of America’s values. We work tirelessly to reduce the 1.3 million new HIV infections worldwide each year and support governments to deliver essential services to people living with and affected by HIV. Through PEPFAR, USAID annually supports more than seven million people with lifesaving HIV treatment and more than one million people with daily HIV prevention medication.

We recognize that ending HIV as a public health threat requires enduring cooperation with partner country governments, civil society, faith-based, and other non-governmental organizations, researchers, and scientists. It also requires us to continue to elevate the leadership of communities and individuals living with and affected by HIV. On this World AIDS Day, USAID reaffirms our dedication to collective action.