Ending new HIV transmissions in the U.S. is within reach — if we act now.

In an op-ed at LGBTQ Nation, Tristan Schukraft, the Founder and CEO of MISTR, emphasizes the critical juncture at which the United States finds itself in the battle against HIV. Thanks to scientific advances, it is now possible for people living with HIV to live healthy lives without transmitting the virus. However, access to essential medications like Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) remains challenging for many. While the U.S. has made significant strides in HIV prevention, potential budget cuts and legal obstacles loom, threatening to compromise this progress. Schukraft argues that businesses have a pivotal role to play in eradicating HIV, underscoring the success his company has witnessed with initiatives like DoxyPEP, which reduced STI positivity rates among patients. The article advocates for collaborations between governments, private industries, and community organizations to overcome barriers to HIV prevention and treatment, forewarning that if interruptions succeed, the ramifications for public health and businesses will be substantial. This narrative is currently overshadowed by statements from the Trump administration considering cuts to pivotal HIV and AIDS prevention programs, a move criticized vehemently by key LGBTQ+ organizations. A CDC spokesperson indicated that no final decision had been made, but the potential redirection of resources is causing great concern among AIDS advocates who fear increased health and financial burdens. The ongoing debates and concerns signal a critical moment for U.S. policy on HIV and AIDS prevention. The potential cuts, as announced, could dismantle major works of the CDC's HIV Prevention Division, stifling the momentum towards reducing new infections. This conflict illuminates the broader issue of balancing budget constraints with public health goals, stimulating conversations about the role of federal funding in global health initiatives. The U.S.'s previous global AIDS relief efforts serve as an exemplary model for the world, highlighting that advances in medication can lead to massive leaps in public health. However, the current political climate presents a stark contrast, with concerns over the future of both national and international HIV prevention programs under threat from potential budget cuts, such as lenacapavir's global rollout potentially jeopardized by the halt of PEPFAR funding. The article concludes by reinforcing that a reduction in funding could potentially reverse progress, particularly in vulnerable populations worldwide, echoing global health advocates’ warnings and underlining the importance of maintaining momentum towards meeting the elimination targets.