Questions for Dr. David J. Weldon on his nomination to become CDC director
Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative: During his first term President Trump launched the Ending the HIV Epidemic by 2030 initiative. In his 2025 Inaugural Address, President Trump said “Together, we will end the chronic disease epidemic and keep our children safe, healthy and disease-free.” In response to questions submitted for the record by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., HHS Secretary Kennedy said that he looks forward to “continuing the great work that President Trump did in his pursuit to eradicate HIV/AIDS” and supports “prevention programs, including those which include pre-exposure prophylaxis.” We are starting to see significant decreases in HIV infections in the EHE jurisdictions – 21% decrease since 2017.
Your work with PEPFAR demonstrated your commitment to addressing the HIV epidemic globally – what are your plans for increasing domestic HIV testing and prevention, and how will CDC continue to ramp up programs of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, started under President Trump to ensure they reach underserved populations and the hot spots of the epidemic, such as the South?
PrEP: PrEP medications which reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact by 99% are a major component of the national strategy to reduce HIV transmissions. This summer the FDA is expected to approve a twice a year PrEP drug that will dramatically change the HIV prevention landscape – if people can access it.
How will the CDC support activities to promote and increase PrEP usage, including promising new long-acting formulations of PrEP?
How will you ensure that PrEP will be available to all communities impacted by HIV, including the uninsured?
Viral Hepatitis Testing and Screening: The CDC estimates that nearly 5 million people in the United States live with hepatitis B or hepatitis C, and as many as 65% are unaware they are living with the disease. Curative drugs are available for hepatitis C, although usage is low, and hepatitis B is preventable through vaccine. Increased investment would allow the CDC and the states to enhance testing and screening programs and link more people to treatment.
Will you support an increased budget for the CDC hepatitis division, which is currently funded at only $43 million for the entire country?
Do you support a national program to eliminate hepatitis C and will the Trump administration work with the Congress to enact such a program?