The U.S. government response to the global impacts of HIV and tuberculosis is poised at a pivotal moment, in which we can seize the opportunity to end these devastating pandemics, or watch progress erode, infections increase, and our effective treatments compromised by growing drug resistance.

The 2018 Annual Report to Congress released by the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief tells a story of remarkable progress and opportunity.

The budget proposal released Monday by the Trump administration is long on talk of national safety, security and strength, but undermines funding and strategies to counter some of the most significant threats to our nation’s health, stability and well-being.  

During his State of the Union Address last night, the president emphasized his commitment to national security by supporting an end to budget caps for defense spending.

During his State of the Union Address last night, the president emphasized his commitment to national security by supporting an end to budget caps for defense spending.

As the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, Alex Azar will face important challenges, including ensuring that quality health care is available and affordable for all, that the cost of life-saving medications is within the reach of those who need them, and that HHS makes a robust commitment to end to the co-occurring epidemics of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, viral hepatitis, and opioid addiction. 

The administration’s new guidance on Medicaid work requirements opens the door for states to impose employment as a condition of Medicaid eligibility and runs counter to the Medicaid program’s objectives of providing a reliable and comprehensive source of healthcare coverage to individuals and families whose income, and/or disabilities put that coverage otherwise out of their reach.

Statement of HIVMA Chair Wendy Armstrong, MD, FIDSA.