By Bunmi Yekini
Leading public health organizations are raising alarms over potential cuts to federal HIV prevention funding, warning that such reductions could reverse decades of progress in fighting the epidemic.
The Partnership to End HIV, STD, and Hepatitis, a coalition of five major health organizations, issued a statement urging the administration to maintain full funding for HIV prevention efforts.
“Funding for HIV prevention is a cornerstone in the nation’s efforts to end the HIV epidemic,” the coalition stated. “Without federal funding, states will not be able to fill the gaps, and the country risks resurgence of HIV and reversing years of progress.”
The coalition, which includes AIDS United, NASTAD, the National Coalition of STD Directors, NMAC, and The AIDS Institute, highlighted the vital role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of HIV Prevention (DHP). The group argued that any funding reductions to DHP would have devastating consequences.
“Any efforts to eliminate or reduce its funding must be decried and opposed in the strongest terms,” the statement continued.
Public health experts warn that budget cuts could disrupt essential programs such as testing, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) access, and education efforts, potentially leading to increased rates of HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
“Reduced access to testing and preventive services would result in more undiagnosed cases, increasing the likelihood of transmission,” the statement noted.
State health departments and community-based organizations, which receive 89% of HIV prevention funds, would be hit hardest, leading to job losses and economic disruptions. The coalition also emphasized that the financial burden of new infections far outweighs the cost of prevention.
“Between 2012 and 2022, approximately 27,900 new HIV transmissions were prevented, saving over $15 billion in lifetime medical costs,” the group stated, underscoring the economic efficiency of continued funding.
The advocacy groups are calling on the administration to reject any funding cuts and reaffirm its commitment to ending the HIV epidemic.
“We urge the Administration to continue to support those impacted by HIV by preserving full and uninterrupted HIV prevention funding and stop any actions to dismantle the system that keeps millions healthy.”
As debates over federal budgets continue, health advocates warn that the stakes could not be higher.