In order to achieve successful implementation of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS), EHE and viral hepatitis programs, resources are needed to strategically coordinate HIV and viral hepatitis activities across the federal government. We urge you to fund the HHS Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy at $7.6 million.
The drug development pipeline is full of promise. Long-acting formulations make adherence easier; new drug classes may produce options for those with a high resistance burden or those who still struggle with side effects. Continued drug development will yield new options for an aging population with HIV and multiple comorbidities, who face high levels of stigma and discrimination and structural and social barriers to uninterrupted care. As Medicare’s HIV population is expected to double by 2035, we need continued innovation alongside continued access to current and new treatments.
The HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute respectfully submits this testimony in support of increased funding for domestic HIV and hepatitis programs at the Department of Health and Human Services for FY 2027. Specifically, this testimony is in support of funding for the following initiatives, programs and divisions: Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative – $395 million for the CDC Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, $358.6 million for the HRSA Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, $207.3 million for the HRSA Community Health Centers, and $52 million for the Indian Health Service; Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program – $3.13 billion; CDC Division of HIV Prevention – $822.7 million; CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis – $150 million; and the HHS Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy – $7.6 million. We also support maintaining funding for CDC’s Eliminating Opioid-Related Infectious Diseases Program and Division of Adolescent and School Health; the Minority HIV/AIDS Initiative; AIDS Research at the NIH; the Title X Family Planning Program; the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program; and the SAMHSA Hepatitis C Elimination Initiative Pilot.
Five patient groups, led by HIV+Hep, submitted an amicus brief in Gilead Sciences v Meritain Health to describe the harm of employers forcing patients to use alternative funding programs and illegally imported prescription drugs. Meritain Health et al opposed the admission of our amicus brief, and we replied with this brief that Meritain’s opposition shows a lack of concern for the patients for whom we advocate. The Court ruled that the brief be accepted.
Today we testify in support of the PrEP DC Act of 2025 (B26-0159) introduced by Councilmember Zachary Parker and co-introduced by eight other councilmembers. As the District continues to make progress in reducing the number of HIV infections, it must do everything possible in its power to ensure people who have a reason to protect themselves against HIV have access to all available prevention tools. That includes PrEP, which are incredible drugs that prevent HIV if people can access and afford them.