Lee, McClellan Introduce Resolution Recognizing U.S. Commitment to End Pediatric HIV/AIDS

Lee, McClellan Introduce Resolution Recognizing U.S. Commitment to End Pediatric HIV/AIDS

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswomen Barbara Lee (CA-12) and Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced H.Res. 1613, a resolution to recognize the United States' commitment to end pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide and support HIV/AIDS prevention through continued research and assistance.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 39,000,000 people lived with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 2023. 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%.

"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," said Congresswoman Lee. "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."

"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," said Congresswoman McClellan. "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."

H.Res. 1613 recommits the United States 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).

H.Res. 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.

"We are grateful to Rep. Barbara Lee for her amazing leadership while in Congress. She will be greatly missed. We are also grateful to Rep. Jennifer McClellan for her commitment to children and applaud her and Rep. Lee's leadership on this resolution to continue the U.S. fight against pediatric HIV/AIDS," said Bruce Lesley, President, First Focus on Children. "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."

"While more than 20 years of U.S. investment in ending HIV/AIDS around the world have brought us most of the way in that fight, thank you Congresswomen Jennifer McClellan and Barbara Lee for your critical and timely leadership in calling for US leadership to finally end pediatric HIV/AIDS through H.Res. 1613," said Anita M. Smith, President, Children's AIDS Fund International. "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."

"As a child-centered, faith-based organization, we 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," said Robert Zachritz, Vice President of Advocacy, World Vision.

"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.

Read the full text of H.Res. 1613 here.