PRES. TRUMP AWARDED INAUGURAL FIFA PEACE PRIZE AT WORLD CUP DRAW IN WASHINGTON . (PHOTOS).
The federal government will not take part in this year’s World AIDS Day, an annual observance held every Dec. 1 since 1988 to honor those who have died from the disease and raise awareness.
The State Department has instructed employees and grant recipients not to use federal funds to commemorate the day. While staff may continue to highlight work on AIDS and other diseases, they are directed to avoid publicly promoting World AIDS Day in any official messaging. A department spokesperson said the focus is on working directly with foreign governments to save lives and increase shared responsibility, rather than symbolic awareness events.
World AIDS Day has long been recognized by U.S. presidents, with President Bill Clinton issuing the first federal proclamation in 1993. Despite this year’s federal non-participation, other commemorative days, including those for autism, organ donation, and cancer, have continued to receive official recognition.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration froze foreign aid spending and later cut roughly $7.9 billion in international humanitarian programs, though funding for HIV and AIDS initiatives remained intact. According to global estimates, 40.8 million people were living with HIV in 2024, with about 1.3 million new infections reported last year.
The United Nations program on AIDS warned that international funding cuts and decreasing commitment could disrupt progress in fighting the virus. While some funding has been restored for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which has saved more than 25 million lives since its creation, service disruptions are causing lasting effects across HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima emphasized the human toll, noting that children, young women, and entire communities are being left without critical services, calling for continued global support and action.
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