First time since 1988, the U.S. is not officially commemorating World AIDS Day
9 days ago
- #World AIDS Day
- #Trump Administration
- #Global Health
- The U.S. is not officially commemorating World AIDS Day for the first time since 1988.
- The State Department stated that 'an awareness day is not a strategy,' marking a departure from previous administrations.
- President Trump's administration has instructed employees not to mark the day, emphasizing a shift in global health strategy.
- HIV/AIDS activists and organizations have expressed frustration and protested the decision, citing a lack of political will.
- The U.S. has historically been a top financial supporter of global HIV/AIDS efforts, primarily through PEPFAR.
- The Trump administration has made significant cuts to global health spending, disrupting HIV/AIDS care in several countries.
- Other countries, including France, Germany, and the UK, have also reduced international aid, leading to warnings of 'ruinous consequences.'
- Protesters gathered outside the White House, demanding the restoration of funding and criticizing the administration's stance.
- The decision aligns with the Trump administration's broader skepticism of multilateral organizations like the UN and WHO.
- World AIDS Day was established to combat stigma and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses, with activists emphasizing its importance.