‘An extreme response’: Republicans move to kill Trump’s HIV-fighting program

House Republicans Plan Massive Cuts to HIV Program Despite Trump’s Goal to Eliminate Transmission by 2030

Introduction

In 2019, then-President Donald Trump announced a plan to practically eliminate HIV transmission in the United States by 2030. However, House Republicans are now on the verge of passing massive cuts to the program, jeopardizing the progress made in recent years.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The proposed cuts to the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being. However, these cuts raise concerns about the sustainability of the gains made and the ability to achieve Trump’s 2030 goal.

Reasoning Behind the Cuts

House Republicans, led by Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), cite a need to prioritize and reduce spending. Aderholt states that they had to focus on essential programs and cut down to the bare bones of what is necessary.

Impact of the Cuts

The proposed $542 million cut to the HIV program would significantly hinder its progress. Advocates fear that without GOP support, it will be much harder to sustain the gains made in recent years and impossible to achieve Trump’s 2030 goal.

Program Success and Funding

The program has already made a difference, funding millions of HIV tests and enabling tens of thousands of HIV-positive individuals to access care. The use of preventive drugs, known as PrEP, has also increased. However, advocates argue that PrEP use must be expanded in communities at risk to end the HIV epidemic.

Trump’s Commitment to Ending the Epidemic

Public health advocates acknowledge that Trump’s commitment to ending the HIV epidemic was significant. Despite his shortcomings as president, they believe he understood the resources and efforts required to achieve this goal.

‘A once-distant dream within reach’

In his 2019 State of the Union Address, Trump expressed optimism about ending the HIV epidemic in the United States. He called for bipartisan commitment and set ambitious goals to reduce new HIV infections by 75 percent in five years and by 90 percent in 10 years. Both Democrats and Republicans applauded his remarks.

Budget Allocation and Evaporation of Consensus

Following Trump’s address, his administration allocated increasing funds to the HIV program each year. However, this year, there has been a shift in consensus among Democrats and Republicans, with proposed cuts baffling Democrats who believe it is the wrong approach.

‘The little progress that we’re seeing will be reversed’

Public health advocates express concern that even the proposed increase by the Democratic-controlled Senate is insufficient to reach the 2030 goal. They contrast this with President Joe Biden’s budget proposal, which called for $850 million. Disparities in HIV diagnoses among different racial and ethnic groups also highlight the need for continued funding and support.

Advocacy and Media Blitz

Advocates are preparing for Senate-House negotiations and planning a media blitz on World AIDS Day to raise awareness and make their case for continued funding. They emphasize that funding the program, especially its HIV prevention component, will save the government money in the long run.

Optimism for Progress

Despite the proposed cuts, advocates remain optimistic about making progress in ending the HIV epidemic. They believe that with continued commitment and resources, the possibility of achieving this goal is within sight.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

The article discusses the proposed budget cuts to the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative, which is aimed at eliminating HIV transmission in the United States. This issue is directly related to SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases, and other communicable diseases.

The article mentions President Donald Trump’s goal of eliminating the HIV epidemic in the United States within 10 years. This aligns with Target 3.3 of SDG 3, which aims to end the epidemics of AIDS and other communicable diseases by 2030.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: Reduction in new HIV infections
• Indicator: Increase in PrEP use

The article mentions the goals of reducing new HIV infections by 75 percent in five years and by 90 percent in 10 years. These goals can serve as indicators to measure progress towards Target 3.3. Additionally, the article highlights the increase in PrEP use, with 36 percent of people who could benefit from having a prescription in 2023, up from 22.7 percent in 2019. This increase in PrEP use can also be used as an indicator of progress towards the target.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: politico.com

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