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World Aids Day

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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

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U.S. Africa Command

Ambassador Howard A. Van Vranken, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana and U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, Commander, U.S. Africa Command, attend a brief about The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Gaborone, Botswana, June 27, 2024.  The PEPFAR and USAID through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), supports the Advancing Partners and Communities Project in Botswana (APC Botswana). The project's core funding covers grants management and capacity building for community-based family planning activities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mary Linniman)

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Photo by: Cpl. Mary Linniman 

As the world marks World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, U.S. Africa Command reaffirms its commitment to supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment efforts across the African continent.

While significant progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, there is still much work to be done.

"Through our partnerships with African militaries and other programs, we are working tirelessly to prevent new infections, provide care and treatment to those affected, and support the development of an HIV vaccine," said Major General Garrick M. Harmon, Director, Strategy, Plans, and Programs at U.S. Africa Command.

The Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, established in 2001, is a congressionally mandated and funded program that assists militaries around the world with HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment for service members and dependent populations. In Africa, the Department of Defense has invested over $1.5 billion in HIV prevention, testing, care, and treatment services, working in 33 countries and partnering with 44 African military health systems.

"World AIDS Day is a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on communities around the world," Harmon said. "However, it is also a testament to the power of partnerships and collaboration in the fight against this disease. Through our work with African militaries, NGOs, and other interagency partners, we are making significant strides in preventing new infections and improving the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS."

The U.S. Department of Defense is also a key partner in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which was established in 2003 to provide emergency assistance to countries affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. PEPFAR has been reauthorized several times, with the most recent reauthorization in 2024.

In addition to the DHAPP, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the Military HIV Research Program are also making significant contributions to HIV/AIDS research and development. The MHRP conducted the landmark RV144 Thai trial, the first and only HIV vaccine study to show modest efficacy in preventing HIV in humans.

Through these efforts, the U.S. Department of Defense has supported over 2 million medical male circumcisions for HIV prevention, provided antiretroviral treatment to over 627,000 patients living with HIV in partner nation Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Health facilities, and conducted numerous health surveys to inform HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts.