U.S. Government in India Celebrates World AIDS Day and the 20th anniversary of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)

New Delhi: Today, the U.S. government commemorated World AIDS Day and acknowledged the progress that has been made in partnership with India and countries around the world toward the shared vision of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

This year’s World AIDS Day is particularly important as the United States marks 20 years of global progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, also known as PEPFAR.  Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has helped to save and improve tens of millions of lives, strengthen health systems, and bolster global capacity to provide HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. 

Speaking at a World AIDS Day event in Kohima, Nagaland alongside state government officials, community leaders, and civil society groups, U.S. Ambassador to India Eric M. Garcetti said, “Every World AIDS Day, the U.S. government stands in support of people living with HIV and people affected by HIV, and to remember those who have died from HIV.  Today, the U.S. government would also like to recognize the ongoing efforts of everyone from the Indian government, NGOs, health care providers, faith-based and community-based organizations, and members of the community in the fight against HIV and AIDS. India’s National AIDS Control Program has been acclaimed as a global model, and the U.S. government is proud to partner in and support these efforts.”

The U.S. government’s theme for the 35th World AIDS Day is “World AIDS Day 35: Remember and Commit,” which pays tribute to the profound impact of the disease and emphasizes collective responsibility to continue to act.  A key component of this is remembering the lives lost, honoring individuals’ memories, while also emphasizing the strength of our commitment to end HIV/AIDS.

Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested over $100 billion in the global fight against HIV/AIDS and U.S. leadership through PEPFAR has transformed the global HIV/AIDS response.  Around the world and in India, PEPFAR supports public health, community, and clinical care platforms to confront current and future health threats that impact people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  PEPFAR India plays a crucial role as a technical catalyst to support India as it advances towards its '95-95-95' targets.  By leveraging data for impact and taking services to priority populations, the United States is working to ensure quality and evidence-based services reach those who need it most.