IDSA/HIVMA Leaders Respond to State of the Union Address

Reports that President Trump in his State of the Union address would announce plans to end America’s HIV epidemic by 2030 raised hopes and questions among infectious disease and HIV experts. HIVMA Chair W. David Hardy, MD and IDSA President Cynthia Sears, MD, FIDSA issued a statement on behalf of the Societies’ members who know the goal of ending HIV transmissions is achievable but would require attention to policies and funding both organizations have promoted.

“The achievement of ambitious public health goals must always include reassessments of existing policies and priorities,” they wrote in a response to the speech released Tuesday night.

In their response, they noted that policies ensuring access to health care insurance, and ending discrimination and stigma standing between marginalized populations including lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people and care would be critical to the success of the administration’s plan. Their statement is here. Following the speech, HHS Secretary Alex Azar published a blog post with additional information regarding the proposal including a fact sheet.