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Washington D.C. – The Trump administration is reportedly exploring the potential elimination of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of HIV Prevention, a move that has sparked widespread concern among public health experts.
According to reports, including those from NBC News, the administration is considering shifting HIV prevention efforts from the CDC to another agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). A source familiar with the discussions emphasized that these plans are in the “very, very preliminary stages” and no final decision has been made. However, a memo circulating among HIV prevention advocates indicates that changes could be implemented in the near future.
The CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention plays a crucial role in tracking HIV infections, conducting research, and promoting prevention strategies, including the use of PrEP, a medication that significantly reduces the risk of infection. Recent data indicates progress in reducing new HIV infections, particularly among young people aged 13 to 24. Despite this, an estimated 31,800 new cases were reported nationwide in 2022.
Experts warn that moving the prevention work from the CDC could weaken national efforts to combat HIV. Jesse Milan, president and CEO of AIDS United, described the potential change as “devastating,” highlighting the lifetime cost associated with each new HIV transmission.
“Every new HIV transmission results in a person having a lifetime cost related to being HIV positive,” Milan told NBC News.
One proposal under consideration involves transferring the division’s responsibilities to HHS’s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which currently focuses primarily on treatment through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. Additionally, reports suggest that the administration is also considering slashing up to $700 million from the CDC’s HIV division budget.
Public health advocates argue that reducing prevention funding could lead to increased treatment costs in the long term. Harold Phillips, deputy director for programs at NMAC, an advocacy group, emphasized the importance of the CDC’s role in prevention.
“The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program does not fill all the HIV gaps,” Phillips said. “It only serves those with an HIV diagnosis.”
In an emailed statement, HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon stated that no final decision has been made regarding the streamlining of the CDC’s HIV prevention efforts.
“HHS is following the Administration’s guidance and taking a careful look at all divisions to see where there is overlap that could be streamlined to support the President’s broader efforts to restructure the federal government,” Nixon said. “This is to ensure that HHS better serves the American people at the highest and most efficient standard,” he added.
The CDC’s involvement in HIV prevention dates back to the 1980s, during the emergence of the AIDS crisis. Advocates maintain that the division’s expertise and focus are essential for continued progress in reducing HIV infections.
More information on HIV and AIDS can be found at the Cleveland Clinic.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information available at the time of writing and reflects the reports and statements cited. The situation is subject to change, and the information provided should not be considered definitive. The views expressed by the individuals quoted do not necessarily reflect the views of this news outlet.
