Statement from HHS Secretary Alex Azar ahead of World AIDS Day

Cross-posted from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

HHS Secretary Alex Azar issued the following statement ahead of the 30th anniversary of World AIDS Day:

“The observance of World AIDS Day is an annual reminder of the need to remain vigilant in our efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and also of the potential we have for further progress. Advances in HIV prevention, treatment, and care services have enabled us to significantly reduce the rate of HIV infections and improve the health of those living with HIV. We have seen progress both at home, through initiatives such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, and abroad, through the success of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which marks its 15th anniversary this year. We must also continue our work to remove the stigma that surrounds HIV so that no one is afraid to learn their HIV status, and receive treatment or take steps to prevent infection.

“Bringing federal resources to the battle against infectious diseases such as HIV has been a special focus of my public career, and the Trump administration is strongly committed to achieving the goals of our National HIV/AIDS Strategy. By ensuring access to and the availability of the effective tools we have today, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and daily antiretrovirals, and strong support for new methods of HIV prevention and treatment that are in the research pipeline, we are optimistic that we can continue our advances toward ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic.”

For more information on HIV, go to HIV.gov