The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is evaluating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) HIV Prevention Division for potential overlap with other agencies, though no final decision has been made. Reports from The Wall Street Journal and NBC suggest the division, which has a $1.3 billion budget dedicated to tracking HIV infections, promoting testing, and supporting prevention efforts like PrEP, may be dismantled.
Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute, stated that funding for the division is uncertain, with a final decision expected soon. Schmid, who co-chaired the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS under former President Donald Trump, noted that all division funding remains "up in the air."
HHS clarified that any potential restructuring aligns with broader government efficiency efforts and assured that HIV prevention work would continue under other agencies if changes occur. The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, under the Health Resources and Services Administration, currently provides HIV health services for low-income individuals.
Concerns over cuts to HIV prevention have sparked advocacy efforts from groups like AIDS United, urging the public to contact elected officials. CEO Jesse Milan emphasized the division’s role in protecting 1.2 million people at risk of HIV infection, separate from those already living with the virus. Activists fear moving services to a different agency may significantly reduce prevention efforts.
This review follows the Trump administration’s earlier decision to halt U.S.-funded HIV medication distribution in foreign clinics, disrupting treatment for millions. The potential restructuring raises concerns over the future of domestic HIV prevention efforts amid growing public health challenges.