(ST. PAUL, MN) — December 1 is recognized globally as World AIDS Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease.
While it is recognized internationally, this is the first year since 1988 where there will not be an official recognition by the United States. In response, Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:
“On World AIDS Day, we honor every life touched by HIV and AIDS — the loved ones we’ve lost, the survivors, the advocates, the caregivers, and the communities who have led the fight for dignity, safety, and justice for more than four decades.
“Minnesota has adopted an official policy of Ending HIV/AIDS. We can end HIV — we have the tools. When every person has access to healthcare, housing, treatment, prevention, and the basic security of a safe, stable life, new infections fall and lives are saved.
“But despite our commitments, we continue to see the number of new HIV infections climb. That reality demands urgency, investment, and honest leadership — not retreat.
“Which is why the Trump Administration’s decision to once again turn its back on World AIDS Day is as disturbing as it is unsurprising. This administration has run vicious homophobic and transphobic campaigns — and its record on HIV/AIDS reflects that cruelty. They have eliminated or gutted core domestic HIV programs, and put millions in danger globally through their dismantling of incredibly successful foreign aid programs surrounding preventative services.
“At a moment when science, medicine, and community power make it possible to end HIV, this abandonment is unforgivable.
“Minnesota will continue to choose a different path. We will continue fighting for full access to healthcare, housing, prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and human dignity for every person — no exceptions.
“Ending HIV is possible. It’s a matter of political will, compassion, and justice. And on World AIDS Day, we recommit to building a Minnesota — and a world — where everyone can live free from stigma, fear, and preventable illness.”
Minnesota does have a comprehensive, long-term plan to end new HIV infections and improve health outcomes for people living with HIV in Minnesota. More about this plan, and other resources and assistance, are available at the Minnesota Department of Health website here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hiv/partners/strategy/index.html.
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