World AIDS Day: We must rededicate ourselves to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS

(U.S. House of Representatives) – World AIDS Day 2024 is a time to reflect on the progress we have made in our fight against HIV/AIDS, honor those who have died, and unite in worldwide solidarity to give hope to the 1.2 million Americans and the 40 million women, men and children worldwide who are living with HIV/AIDS.Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and treatment, with a particular emphasis on the minority communities that have borne the brunt of the disease. Before coming to the U.S. Congress, I worked with local organizations and community leaders to raise funds for local minority HIV/AIDS initiatives in Los Angeles, and I introduced legislation to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African Americans in the California State Assembly.Related Stories As a member of the U.S. Congress, I spearheaded the establishment of the Minority AIDS Initiative, which has significantly expanded HIV/AIDS prevention, screening and treatment efforts among racial and ethnic minorities and reduced AIDS disparities. I am proud to report that funding for this critical initiative has increased from the initial appropriation of $156 million in Fiscal Year 1999 to more than $400 million per year today.While we have made...