Statement on Inauguration of Biden/Harris Administration

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation congratulates President Joseph Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration today. EGPAF looks forward to working with the Administration to continue strategic U.S. leadership and investment in the fight to end AIDS in children, youth, and families, and address the profound impacts of COVID-19 around the world.

President Biden has long been a champion of U.S. commitment in the HIV response and global health broadly. While historic, bipartisan U.S. investments have led to transformational advancements, the extraordinary disruption of COVID-19 reminds us that our successes are fragile and ending AIDS is not inevitable.

The Biden/Harris Administration has the opportunity to reinvigorate the nation’s global HIV response, while entering into a new era of cooperation and diplomacy with African leaders and countries hit hardest by the HIV epidemic. Based on past successes, it is clear that when the U.S. works hand in hand with partners to address challenges and unite around common goals, incredible gains are possible—and this is especially evident for vulnerable children, youth, and families living with HIV. Initiatives to address pediatric HIV specifically have long expired and it is time for U.S. programs like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and others to recommit to these efforts through the trifecta of political will, policy change, and programmatic action.

Ushering in an AIDS-free generation could be a lasting legacy of the Biden/Harris Administration. While this goal is within reach, it will require the White House and Congress to prioritize decisive action coupled with commensurate funding to strengthen life-saving HIV prevention, care, and treatment services. EGPAF is committed to working with the new Administration to meet the urgent challenges in HIV/AIDS—further exacerbated by COVID-19—so every child can live a full and healthy life into adulthood.