Trump administration restores HIV prevention funding after extensive backlash

 

  

 The Trump administration has reversed its decision to free federal funds for HIV prevention and monitoring programs following intensive criticism by public health experts, HIV advocacy groups and Democratic MPs. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that it was U.S. Notification was received from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which confirmed a grant of about $ 20 million for HIV prevention. The funding applies to a 12 -month period starting from June 1 and represents an increase of $ 338,019 from the previous year. "This freeze was careless, illegal and endangered life," said Rape Laura Freedman (D-Gelendel) in a public statement. "While I am relieved that the CDC has reversed the syllabus, this funding blockage should never happen." Freedman along with other HIV prevention advocates, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. A formal letter was sent to Kennedy Junior last month. The letter warned that HIV prevention can undo the years of progression of funds, especially affecting California and LGBTQ+ community. Correspondence cited Foundation for AIDS Research (AMFAR) data, which estimated that 143,000 additional HIV infections and 127,000 AIDS -related deaths may occur across the country within five years. Los Angeles County, which was at risk of losing about $ 20 million in federal funds, was preparing to cancel the contract with 39 community-based providers. Experts warned that destroying this prevention network can give rise to about 650 additional HIV cases annually, pushing the total annual new infections of the county to close to 2,000.

 

A spokesman for the County's Health Department said, "We have deeply appreciated the support of the board of supervisors, our Congress delegation and our community partners who have advocated restoring this important funds for the CDC." Looking forward, there are concerns about the future of this funding. The President's proposed FY26 budget includes a plan to abolish complete HIV prevention funding. The spokesperson said, "We urge our federal partners to protect this important, lifetime investment."