#USA #Washington, D.C. #HIV Prevention #Trump administration #Southern Mayors

Southern Mayors Call for HIV and STI Funding Preservation

A coalition of Southern mayors has recently united to raise significant concerns regarding proposed budget cuts by the Trump Administration, which threaten vital funding for HIV and STI prevention programs. This urgent appeal, facilitated by Ohio River South, emphasizes the potential catastrophic impacts on public health and economic stability.

In a joint letter directed to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., these mayors outline their fears that the proposed budget may dismantle essential programs operated by the CDC, particularly the Division of HIV Prevention. They also voice grave concerns over diminished financial support for crucial initiatives including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative.

The mayors assert that their cities are home to a substantial number of residents living with HIV. They warn that any disruption in funding for HIV programs could result in an increase in new infections, inflate healthcare costs, and undermine the progress made over recent years in combating HIV/AIDS. They emphasized, "This is an issue that affects not just public health but also fiscal responsibility at the state level."

Recent statistics illustrate the dire situation: in 2022, approximately 53% of all new HIV diagnoses in the United States occurred in Southern states. Preventing one HIV infection is projected to save about $1.1 million in lifetime healthcare expenses. Alarmingly, even a slight reduction in access to preventive measures such as PrEP and testing could lead to an estimated 8,000 additional infections annually, thereby incurring roughly $2 billion in avoidable long-term healthcare costs.

Moreover, the letter highlights concerning trends in STIs, noting that the region has witnessed a historic rise in their rates and the highest levels of syphilis since the 1950s. These cuts could hinder states' abilities to respond effectively to such outbreaks, further aggravating the health crisis.

The mayors framed their concerns not only as a public health issue but also as a matter of equity and responsibility. They implored the administration to maintain funding levels for these critical programs in the fiscal year 2025. The possible dismantling of the HIV prevention infrastructure is projected not only to endanger lives but could also lead to significant financial repercussions as well.

The Southern AIDS Coalition echoed the mayors' urgings, emphasizing, "The mayors are articulating a pivotal message that must be heeded. Prevention efforts cannot take a backseat. The proposed changes to budget allocations jeopardize lives and the foundational health infrastructure. This leadership insists on a refusal to accept preventable loss as normal."

This coalition of mayors stands united in their commitment to their communities and those living with or vulnerable to HIV, articulating the necessity of steadfast funding for prevention efforts, treatment accessibility, and effective disease surveillance. As the region continues grappling with the HIV epidemic, the actions of these local leaders send a vital message: Ending the HIV epidemic begins at the grassroots level, and local leaders must take a stand to safeguard public health.

For further details, the full letter from the mayors is accessible publicly, and interviews with participating mayors can be arranged upon request.