Terminating CDC’s HIV prevention program would be costly

The president’s proposal to eliminate the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s HIV prevention program will destroy decades of progress in responding to our country’s HIV epidemic. The program’s funding that goes to states and community-based providers to support HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis, disease surveillance and more saves lives and millions of dollars in health care expenses. 

The termination of CDC’s HIV prevention program is part of a budget proposal that slashes the overall CDC budget by more than 50% and infectious diseases research at the National Institutes of Health by nearly 40%. NIH-funded research has given us the tools, including effective drugs for HIV treatment and prevention, to end the HIV epidemic. 

Preventing a single HIV infection averts well over $500,000 in lifetime health care costs. Dismantling state-led HIV prevention programs and infrastructure — and crippling biomedical research — will put communities across the country at risk for a frightening resurgence of a condition that is fatal without lifelong treatment.
We urge Congress to not abandon the progress we have made in ending the HIV epidemic. Fully fund public health programs, maintain CDC’s HIV prevention program and continue to invest in biomedical research to support a healthier and more prosperous America.

— 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.