Our Shared Responsibility in Ending AIDS

The theme of this year's World AIDS Day, "Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-free Generation" could not be more timely. It reminds us that we as the United States join countries around the world in this fight against HIV/AIDS and in creating an AIDS-free generation.

In the United States Congress, few issues have transcended partisan gridlock like the fight against AIDS. While many issues are stalled in the current legislative environment, in the last two weeks alone, we have passed two AIDS bills into law, the PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act and the HOPE Act (HIV Organ Policy Equity Act). This is a true testament to how important our advances are, as well as how important this issue is.

This year, as we mark the 10th anniversary of our global AIDS program, PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), and prepare to host the 4th replenishment conference in the United States for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria, now is the time to redouble our efforts to support a strong $5 billion pledge for the Global Fund and new program targets for PEPFAR.

The ultimate goal of the end of AIDS, an AIDS-free generation, is achievable, if we remain committed to funding treatment and prevention programs, provide comprehensive sexual education to young people around the world, and continue to make AIDS funding a priority in Congress while searching for a cure and vaccine.