Communities across the globe commemorated World AIDS Day on December 1st, honoring those who've died from the disease and reaffirming a commitment to end an epidemic that's killed more than 44 million people worldwide. But, this year, for the first time in decades, the U.S. government decided not to mark the occasion. And the Trump administration has reportedly barred agencies from commemorating or participating in the event as well. The administration slashed funding for global HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment projects earlier this year and moved to eliminate many domestic initiatives as well. In part, because of those steep cuts, the U.N. now estimates global funding for HIV has dropped 40 percent in two years, and public health leaders argue decades of progress are at risk.
Although the current administration seems to close their eyes and live in ignorance, HIV is real and still exists. Although infections rates are on the decline both domestically and globally, the UN asserts that a failure to reach the 2030 global HIV targets of the next Global AIDS Strategy could result in an additional 3.3 million new HIV infections between 2025 and 2030. Today, 40.8 million people are living with HIV worldwide, 1.3 million new infections occurred in 2024, and 9.2 million people are still not accessing treatment.
WSPCA is a member partner of the Getting to Zero (G2Z) initiative, which aims to end the spread of HIV in the State of Illinois by the year 2030. We are committed to the mission to provide awareness, education, and support to our communities as we believe it takes all of us to end the spread of HIV. Make a commitment to join us in this effort in 2026!
Here are a few ways to end myths about HIV/AIDS infections and stop the spread:
Each year, 2,000 people show up and show out at the largest HIV gathering in the Midwest. West Side Pastors Coalition for AIDS & Inner City Health was delighted to participate in the AIDS Walk & Run Chicago at Soldier Field again this year. Proceeds directly benefit programs and services improving the lives of Chicagoans living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. We're proud to partner with the AIDS Foundation Chicago to end the HIV epidemic! Click here to learn more about the AIDS Run & Walk.
To stop the spread of HIV/AIDS through education and prevention by building an extensive network for excellent health and wellness in the community.
To educate faith leaders about HIV/AIDS and other health issues that affect their communities and build a network for excellent health for all people.
After noticing a limited number of faith leaders involved in HIV/AIDS ministry, Rev. Stan Stephens started West Side Pastors Coalition for AIDS & Inner-City Health in 1995. WSPCA has endeavored for 25 years to provide resources and create linkages between the faith and health communities to end the stigma and spread of HIV/AIDS.
The Coalition believes strongly in education and prevention while increasing compassion and non-judgmental care. We provide resources to pastoral care, support groups, grief counseling and continue to build faith-based health ministries. We also promote faith community involvement in HIV testing.
Other health issues that impact poor communities and are often overlooked include Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Obesity, Stroke and Hypertension. The Coalition supports programs in the community that address these concerns.
Some ways we impact include:
The Annual Back to School (B2S) Health & Resource Fair targets our youth and promotes HIV awareness with the use of entertainment, refreshments, and speakers providing free school supplies to those in attendance.
Clergy Breakfasts brings to together clergy and laypersons, health care professionals, civic leaders, community members, and nonprofit representatives to fellowship in topical discussion around HIV/AIDS. It is held in conjunction with National HIV Testing Day in June each year.
HIV Counseling and Support through our relationship with the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center.
Community Partnerships with West Suburban Medical Center, Loretto Hospital, McCormick Theological Seminary, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, Getting to Zero IL, Sinai Health and more!
HIV Screening Resource by providing HIV screening services to the faith community and the community-at-large
Faith Leader Symposiums/Trainings are designed to provide continuing education credits through pastoral education around HIV/AIDS.
WSPCA partnered with West Suburban Medical Center in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free face masks, hand sanitizer and delicious pre-cooked frozen meals. It was held Saturday, October 17, in the East Parking lot at WSMC. 200 meals were distributed to families in the Austin community.
Getting to Zero Illinois is a state-wide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the state by 2030.
West Side Pastors' Coalition for AIDS and Inner-City Health is a 501(c)3 tax deductible organization committed to linking the faith community, health care industry, and nonprofit sector in the call to end the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our mission to end the spread of HIV/AIDS in our communities.
Thank you for your generous donations to further our work.
