Red Ribbon : The goal this afternoon is to participate in a public assembly and create a red ribbon, the symbol of the fight against HIV and AIDS, among those who attend. Participants are invited to wear red clothing to form the emblem of the struggle, demanding that members of Congress urgently address the bill. [READ ALSO: Argentina: “People with HIV are experiencing a national emergency”] The gathering will be at 6:00 PM in front of the annex building of the National Congress, on Rivadavia Avenue between Callao and Riobamba Streets. The General Legislation Committee is chaired by National Deputy Daniel Lipovetzky, while the Budget and Finance Committee is chaired by National Deputy Luciano Laspina. Both deputies belong to the PRO/Cambiemos bloc. They are the ones who must convene the committees to discuss the bill. The National Front for the Health of People with HIV will request that both committees meet jointly.

Why is a new law needed?

Argentina's current AIDS law dates back to 1990. While progressive for its time, it is now insufficient. The new bill includes social rights for access to healthcare, sustainable treatments, and an end to discrimination in access to healthcare, education, and employment, as well as requiring the participation of people living with HIV in decision-making. This bill also mandates consideration of mother-to-child transmission and the realities of young people and adolescents born with the virus. [READ ALSO: Ten myths about young people and HIV] Regarding viral hepatitis, there are no regulations protecting people living with the disease in Argentina. “It’s a disease that only recently became curable, and governments should be required to cover that treatment. Currently, they aren’t doing so, and people are dying from a curable infection,” explains Matías Muñoz, coordinator of the Argentine Network of Positive Youth and Adolescents (RAJAP). [READ ALSO: Banks accused of violating AIDS laws and discriminating against people living with HIV] The organizers of the National Front explain that this bill reflects the systematic and democratic collaborative work that has been underway for more than three years, bringing together the contributions and participation of civil society, scientific institutions, international organizations, and national and provincial government agencies. Under the slogan #NewHIVandHepatitisLaw #NoMoreTime, a rally will be held today at 6 PM in front of the National Congress.