Denying the effectiveness of harm reduction will be costly to efforts to end the HIV epidemic

The Administration’s Executive Order issued July 24 calling for the forced commitment of people who are unhoused — and undercutting the highly effective and evidence-based harm reduction approaches proven to prevent overdose deaths, treat addiction and stop the transmission of HIV and other infectious diseases — will be a major setback to efforts to address the synergistic epidemics of addiction, HIV and other infectious diseases.  

People who are experiencing homelessness need access to safe and affordable housing and health care services to help them address issues such as mental health disorders, substance use and communicable conditions like HIV, hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections. This is where our federal government should be focusing efforts, not on criminalization and forced commitments.  

The harms of this EO are compounded by the recent passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which will further worsen the nation’s health by creating rather than breaking down barriers to health care through the Medicaid program. We are deeply concerned about the rapid erosion of safety nets for America’s most vulnerable populations. Our country can and must do better in meeting people where they are for their health and for our nation’s health. 

Colleen Kelley, MD, MPH, FIDSA 
Chair, HIVMA  

About HIVMA
The HIV Medicine Association is a community of more than 6,000 health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. HIVMA works to increase access to health care services and coverage for people with HIV and populations heavily impacted by HIV and to foster a robust, diverse and culturally competent HIV workforce. HIVMA is part of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Visit hivma.org to learn more.