President Joe Biden marked World AIDS Day by hosting the AIDS Memorial Quilt on the White House South Lawn for the first time on Sunday. The event brought together survivors, advocates, and families to honor those lost to the AIDS epidemic and demonstrate support for the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS.

Biden highlighted the enduring impact of the movement, saying, “This movement is fully woven into the fabric and history of America,” and commended efforts to save lives and change perceptions globally. The event featured 124 sections of the quilt, a tribute to lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses. First unveiled in 1987, the quilt symbolizes the ongoing fight against the epidemic. A red ribbon, representing HIV and AIDS awareness, adorned the South Portico of the White House.

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Globally, 40 million people are living with HIV, according to the White House. Jeanne White-Ginder, mother of Ryan White, introduced Biden at the event. Her son, who contracted AIDS from a tainted blood transfusion, became a symbol of the fight against the disease before his death in 1990. White-Ginder reflected on her son’s legacy, emphasizing the importance of combating AIDS without stigmatizing those affected. The Ryan White CARE Act, named in his honor, was passed in 1990 with Biden’s support as a senator.

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The event also recognized Dr. Anthony Fauci for his contributions to HIV/AIDS research and public health. Fauci, who retired from government service in 2022, attended the gathering and was acknowledged for his decades-long work on infectious diseases.

The Biden administration has prioritized combating HIV/AIDS by increasing access to preventive measures like PrEP and addressing stigma. These efforts align with broader initiatives to end the epidemic and support affected communities.