House Resolution would recommit U.S. in fight against HIV/AIDS

In 2023, 39 million individuals lived with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Women accounted for approximately half of all cases. Children made up approximately 1,400,000 cases, the vast majority of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. Worldwide, an estimated 1.3 million women and girls living with HIV become pregnant each year. Without interventions, HIV transmission rates between a mother and her child during pregnancy, labor, delivery and breastfeeding range from 15 to 45 percent.

Congresswomen Jennifer McClellan of Virginia and Barbara Lee of California introduced House Resolution 1613 to recognize the United States’ commitment to end pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide and support HIV/AIDS prevention through continued research and assistance.

“The United States, in collaboration with our global allies and partners, has made meaningful strides in reducing the rates of pediatric HIV/AIDS and curbing perinatal transmission, but we must continue to act. We know antiretroviral therapies can improve the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS and prevent future transmissions. We have the knowledge and resources to end pediatric HIV/AIDS. This new resolution reaffirms the United States’ commitment and leadership in that fight, because every mother and child deserves the opportunity to live a long, healthy life,” McClellan said.

H.R. 1613 recommits the U.S. to leading the global fight to end pediatric HIV/AIDS through evidence-based approaches targeting adolescents and young women. The resolution acknowledges the need for additional HIV treatment and prevention, and encourages the continued work of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

“The progress we have made in the fight to end pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide has not been accidental. It has required deliberate and substantial investment and work,” Lee said. “Today, with the necessary resources and funding, we can end pediatric HIV/AIDS. I am proud to introduce this resolution reaffirming the United States’ commitment and leadership to working with our global allies in this fight.”

H.R. 1613 is endorsed by the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Children’s AIDS Fund International, ONE Campaign, World Relief, World Vision, First Focus Campaign for Children and Friends of the Global Fight.

“Decades into the global AIDS response the equity gap for children only continues to grow. The political leadership shown by Congresswomen Lee and McClellan is crucial to close that gap and ensure all children are accessing lifesaving HIV services,” said Catherine Connor, Vice President of Public Policy and Advocacy, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

First Focus on Children President Bruce Lesley said the organization is grateful for Lee’s and McClellan’s leadership on the resolution.

“First Focus on Children’s Campaign for Children strongly supports this timely resolution and calls on Congress to continue to protect and treat these children by passing a clean, five-year reauthorization of PEPFAR before it expires in March 2025. Lawmakers also must fully fund the program in next year’s annual appropriations process,” Lesley said.

Anita Smith, president of Children’s AIDS Fund International, said the U.S. has invested more than 20 years in the fight against HIV.

“Ending global HIV/AIDS successfully and effectively must include closing the treatment gap between adults and children through scientifically proven prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care interventions provided for child-bearing women, adolescent girls and children who have yet to be reached with these life-saving strategies,” Smith said.

World Vision Vice President of Advocacy Robert Zachritz said the organization is child-centered and faith-based with a believe “every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. This resolution underscores the critical need for equitable access to pediatric HIV prevention, treatment, and care. Through our work with OVC and DREAMS programs under PEPFAR, we witness the transformative power of investing in children and their families. We stand committed to supporting efforts that ensure no child is left behind in the global HIV response.

“The United States has played a pivotal role in the fight against HIV/AIDS – a legacy of leadership that must continue. The fight against HIV/AIDS is one we know we can win, especially with the help of tried-and-tested programs like PEPFAR, which alone has ensured nearly 8 million babies were born HIV-free. While we celebrate the progress made, it’s imperative that we renew our commitment to ensuring everyone, everywhere is free from the threat of preventable, treatable disease,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, North America Executive Director at the ONE Campaign.