Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives Political Leadership Award in her Name from International AIDS Society

July 26, 2024

Congresswoman Barbara Lee Receives Political Leadership Award in her Name from International AIDS Society

Munich, Germany- Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-12), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, today received an award from the International Aids Society in Munich, Germany that recognizes the extraordinary contributions of elected officials who have demonstrated significant political leadership and commitment in the fight against AIDS. The award was named in honor of Congresswoman Lee as its first recipient.

Presented biannually, this award seeks to celebrate elected officials who embody unwavering dedication, courage, and compassion in the political arena. This award is also a call to action for current and future political leaders to persist in the fight against AIDS and will be presented at every future International AIDS Society conference.

"Receiving this is award is truly such an honor. This award is not just a recognition of my work but a testament to the collective efforts of many. It honors the courageous individuals living with HIV who have shared their stories and demanded action, the activists who fight everyday for progress, and lawmakers around the world, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who have the courage to step out and do what it right," said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. "This work has been decades in the making. I remember speaking to President Bush in the White House, and I was gratified that he understood the need to take action. Despite us not agreeing on much of anything, I felt as though he clearly understood what was at stake and our urgent need to save lives. But even then, as the weeks went on, we needed to keep fighting to keep this at the top of the to-do list. So I mobilized the Congressional Black Caucus to write to President Bush in December of 2002, asking him to move quickly on the response. And the next month, President Bush used his State of the Union Address to call on Congress to urgently pass the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief-which is today known as PEPFAR. I was fortunate enough to meet the first person to receive PEPFAR treatment while in Uganda. I witnessed firsthand the potential for this program to save lives across the globe."

"But our work isn't over," Lee continued. "We have made so much progress. We've been able to save 25 million lives by working together, no matter the political affiliation. We haven't quite yet beat this pandemic, but I know we can reach our goal of achieving an AIDS-free generation by 2030. Let's keep struggling, organizing, fighting, until we end HIV everyone, everywhere."

"Named in honor of its first recipient, U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, The Barbara Lee Political Leadership Award celebrates elected officials who embody unwavering dedication, courage, and compassion in the political arena. This biannual award stands as a testament to Congresswoman Barbara Lee's enduring influence and commitment to the HIV response. It also a call to action for current and future political leaders to support the HIV response," IAS President and AIDS 2024 International Chair Sharon Lewin said.

The Barbara Lee Political Leadership Award is established to honor and recognize the extraordinary contributions of elected officials who have demonstrated significant political leadership and commitment in the fight against AIDS. Named in honor of its first recipient, U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, a trailblazing Member of Congress who has passed critical legislation to increase political will, founded the bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus in the U.S. Congress, and mobilized resources to combat AIDS. Congresswoman Barbara Lee's legislation is credited with repealing the discriminatory HIV travel ban in the United States which led to the historic return of the International AIDS Conference in Washington, D.C. in 2012. She has attended nearly every International AIDS Conference since being elected to office in 1998.

The criteria for future selection will include the following:

Leadership and Advocacy: The recipient must be a current or former elected official who has exhibited exceptional leadership in developing laws and policies that aim to eradicate AIDS, including securing funding for research, prevention, and treatment.

Commitment to Justice: The recipient must have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to social justice, particularly in ensuring access to healthcare and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Bipartisan Collaboration: Shown an ability to work across the aisle, engaging and uniting politicians from various political backgrounds and beliefs towards a common goal in the fight against AIDS.

Community Engagement: Actively involved in community engagement, working closely with affected individuals and groups, listening to their needs, and representing their voices in political discussions.

Global Perspective: Recognized the global nature of the AIDS crisis and contributed to international efforts, fostering global solidarity and action against the pandemic.

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