On World AIDS Day, we remember the millions who have died before their times; we celebrate the remarkable scientific achievements that have given us tools to fight back and to envision a brighter future; and we recommit to taking the next actions needed to bring about the end to HIV as a public health threat.

At this time—nearly 35 years into the epidemic—we have more tools and knowledge than ever before to fight HIV. Maximizing these tools requires working together to confront and overcome the challenges that remain. With the global population of young people expected to dramatically increase over the next five years, we must also step up efforts to help both young men and young women stay HIV-free, especially in the developing world.

On this World AIDS Day, CDC stands with our U.S. government colleagues and partners around the world in affirming our collective resolve to meet the ambitious but achievable goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. The path forward is clearer than ever, and the time to act is now.

Read more about CDC’s global HIV and World AIDS Day efforts, here.