On December 1st, we celebrate the 37th World AIDS Day. This day is a day to remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, to honor the 39 million people living with HIV around the world, and to reaffirm our commitment to ending HIV. This year’s theme, “Collective Action: Sustaining and Accelerating Progress on HIV,” reminds us that we must remain steadfast in our commitment to preventing new HIV infections and providing essential services to all people living with HIV. I’ll give it to you. Implementing the tools and resources needed to prevent and treat HIV will require all of us working together, especially those with the most experience.
HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act
We continue to innovate and adapt our efforts based on new scientific advances, implementation research, and lessons learned from programs in the field. This World AIDS Day, the Biden-Harris administration is taking another step in leading with science and destigmatizing HIV. The administration has announced a final rule that removes the current HOPE Act research requirements for kidney and liver transplants from HIV-infected donors to HIV-infected recipients. This change will expand the kidney and liver donor network across the country. This change will increase the availability of viable kidney and liver transplants and help reduce the stigma and health disparities associated with HIV.
National HIV/AIDS Strategy/EHE
We continue to see other signs of progress towards achieving the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which will inform efforts to develop the next strategy, covering 2026-2030. I am. of Ending the HIV epidemic in the United States (Ehehe) This initiative is a key component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) efforts to implement the strategy in collaboration with state, tribal, territorial, and local partners. Important advances include increasing HIV testing, rapidly linking and re-engaging people with HIV to health care and treatment, and improving detection and rapid response to communities affected by rapid transmission of HIV. can be mentioned. HHS has worked to ensure communities have access to long-acting injectables for both prevention and treatment of HIV, and has shared the message of U=U (undetectable means untransmittable). HHS has also worked to increase uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
For the future
However, challenges still remain. In too many communities, we still need to address stigma and increase access to education and HIV-related services. With sufficient funding and continued leadership and innovation, we can sustain and accelerate progress towards ending the HIV epidemic.
I’m an optimist. During my nearly four years as Assistant Secretary of Health, I have been fortunate to travel across the United States discussing HIV policies and programs with passionate advocates, people living with HIV, health care providers, community organizations, public health officials, and tribal people. is completed. leaders. These conversations encouraged me and strengthened my resolve about our ability to end the HIV epidemic as we know it.
My commitment to fighting HIV began when I worked as a pediatrician in New York City during the early days of the epidemic. As you can imagine, this experience shaped my personal resolve to be here when we end this epidemic. I know that it is possible, thanks to advances in HIV research and the strength and resilience of the HIV community.
