US to End Official Commemoration of World AIDS Day
Washington DC - The United States government will no longer officially commemorate World AIDS Day, according to reports, marking a notable shift in federal recognition of the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic. The decision, revealed by the Washington Blade and confirmed by the Biden governance, ends a decades-long tradition of presidential proclamations and White House events marking December 1st as a day to remember those lost to the disease and renew commitment to prevention and treatment efforts.
The move has sparked criticism from advocacy groups who fear it signals a diminishing prioritization of the HIV/AIDS crisis, despite continued disparities in infection rates and access to care, especially among marginalized communities. While the administration maintains its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic by 2030, advocates argue that ending the formal commemoration undermines public awareness and could hinder progress.
For over three decades, World AIDS Day has served as a crucial platform for raising awareness, combating stigma, and advocating for increased funding for research, prevention, and treatment programs. The first World AIDS Day was observed in 1988, and as then, the US government has consistently used the day to highlight its efforts in combating the epidemic.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1.2 million people in the US are living with HIV, and approximately 13,000 died from AIDS-related causes in 2021. Black and Hispanic/Latino communities continue to be disproportionately affected, accounting for 67% of new HIV diagnoses in 2021.
The Biden administration stated the decision to discontinue the formal commemoration was made after a review of government observances and is not indicative of a change in policy. “The President remains deeply committed to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030 and continues to support the many events held by community organizations and advocates across the country,” a White House spokesperson told the Washington Blade.
However, advocates remain concerned. “Ending the official commemoration sends a dangerous message that the administration is no longer prioritizing the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, in a statement. “World AIDS day is a vital possibility to remember those we’ve lost, honor the resilience of people living with HIV, and recommit to ending this epidemic.”
The administration’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy aims to reduce new HIV infections by 75% by 2025 and end the epidemic by 2030.Key components of the strategy include expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), increasing HIV testing and treatment, and addressing social determinants of health that contribute to disparities in infection rates. The impact of ending the formal commemoration on these efforts remains to be seen.
