The Trump administration is reportedly considering deep cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) HIV Prevention Division, a move that could significantly impact public health efforts.
The potential budget reductions have raised concerns among health experts and advocacy groups, who warn that defunding prevention programs could set back progress in controlling the virus.
The CDC’s HIV Prevention Division is responsible for tracking infections, funding local health departments, and supporting HIV testing and prevention initiatives.
According to reports, more than $1 billion was allocated for HIV prevention this year, with a substantial portion supporting state and local programs.
If these cuts move forward, community organizations and local governments may struggle to maintain essential services, increasing the risk of new infections.
The Potential Impact on HIV Prevention Efforts
The CDC’s HIV Prevention Division plays a critical role in national efforts to curb the spread of HIV. The agency funds programs that provide HIV testing, outreach initiatives, and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that helps prevent HIV transmission.
According to the CDC, more than 22 million HIV tests were conducted in 2022 through CDC-supported state and local programs, connecting thousands of newly diagnosed individuals to care.
Public health experts have warned that defunding prevention programs could reverse recent progress in reducing new infections. According to the Independent, Lindsey Dawson, associate director of HIV policy at KFF, emphasized the CDC’s role in HIV surveillance, testing, and prevention, stating that removing federal support would place a greater burden on local agencies.
Colleen Kelley, chair of the HIV Medicine Association’s board of directors, cautioned that funding cuts could result in increased transmission rates, particularly in vulnerable communities.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which oversees the CDC, has stated that it is evaluating all divisions for potential overlap as part of a broader effort to restructure the federal government.
However, officials have not confirmed whether the HIV Prevention Division will be eliminated, and it remains unclear how prevention efforts would continue if the program is cut.
Uncertainty Over the Future of HIV Prevention Programs
If the CDC’s HIV Prevention Division is disbanded, it is unclear which agency would take over its responsibilities. According to KFF, other federal programs, such as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, primarily focus on treatment rather than prevention.
Without direct federal funding, local health departments and nonprofit organizations may struggle to maintain prevention efforts, leading to concerns about rising infection rates.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration halted the distribution of HIV medications through U.S.-funded foreign clinics, disrupting care for millions. Now, domestic HIV prevention programs could face similar uncertainty.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, has called the potential cuts a major setback for public health, warning that they could disproportionately impact LGBTQ+ communities and those at higher risk of infection.
