“Defending Progress, Demanding Justice” — the theme that guided advocates as they confronted lawmakers on the most pressing issues facing the HIV community.
Policy Priorities Discussed
AIDSWatch 2026 participants directly discussed pressing policy priorities with Members of Congress and their staffs, including ensuring access to treatment and a high quality of life for all people living with HIV; mitigating the impact of federal funding cuts and attacks on vulnerable communities; supporting HIV prevention efforts and increased PrEP access across the country; and maintaining robust U.S. support for the global HIV response.
“AIDSWatch 2026 was a powerful demonstration of collective advocacy at a pivotal moment for the HIV movement. Our advocates came to Washington not just to observe, but to demand that their voices be heard. They made it unequivocally clear that progress in the fight against HIV does not happen by accident; it requires sustained political will and unwavering commitment to justice.”
— Carl Baloney, Jr., President & CEO, AIDS United
Event Highlights
- Direct Engagement: Nearly 250 meetings held with Congressional offices, emphasizing the human impact of HIV policy.
- Comprehensive Training: Six institutes focused on priority issue areas, including a New Advocate Training sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.
- Historic Inclusion: Two workshops conducted entirely in Spanish, with live translation available in several others.
- Capitol Hill Rally: Advocates gathered on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol, hearing from seasoned advocates including Joseph White (AIDS United), Asia Russell (Health GAP), Maxx Boykin (PrEP4All/SHF), Daniel Franzese (Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation), and Gabriel San Emeterio (U.S. PLHIV Caucus).
- Policy Education: Participants received comprehensive guidance from the AIDSWatch 2026 Policy Brief, available in both English and Spanish.
Media Interview Opportunities
AIDS United leadership and experts are available for interviews to discuss:
- The current state of the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and globally
- The impact of federal budget decisions on HIV prevention and care programs (e.g., Ryan White, ADAP, PrEP access)
- The importance of community-led advocacy and grassroots organizing
- Specific policy recommendations to advance the fight against HIV
About AIDS United
AIDS United's mission is to end the AIDS epidemic in the United States through strategic grantmaking, capacity building, and policy advocacy. Learn more at aidsunited.org
About AIDSWatch
AIDSWatch is the largest national HIV advocacy event, bringing together hundreds of people living with HIV and their allies to educate members of Congress about the importance of federal funding and sound policies to address the HIV epidemic. AIDSWatch is presented by AIDS United in coordination with the U.S. People Living with HIV Caucus and the Center for Health Law and Policy Innovation at Harvard Law School.
Media Contact
Miguel Ayala Director of Communications mayala@aidsunited.org 202-876-2820
