On the 45th anniversary of HIV/AIDS in the U.S., we can’t go back

As the HIV community reflects on the first report of HIV/AIDS in the U.S. by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 45 years ago and honors the lives lost and those saved by  the availability of HIV prevention and treatment, the House of Representatives once again advanced a bill that would upend decades of progress in fighting HIV.

The bill passed  by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies would eliminate CDC’s core HIV prevention program and parts of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program at a time when the demand for HIV services is at an all-time high and millions of people risk losing their Medicaid coverage. 

We call on Congress to reject these proposals and fund federal HIV programs at the levels necessary to end the HIV epidemic once and for all. 

— Anna K. Person, MD, 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.