Report on HIV/AIDS Diagnosis, Treatment, and Policy Challenges with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

This report presents a case study of Jeremy Gregson, a 48-year-old man from Northwest Indiana diagnosed with HIV, and examines the broader implications of HIV/AIDS treatment, research funding, and policy decisions in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Case Study: Jeremy Gregson’s HIV Diagnosis and Treatment

1. Diagnosis: Jeremy Gregson was diagnosed with HIV in 2023 following a stroke. His blood work revealed HIV positivity, which doctors believe contributed to his stroke.
2. Treatment: Gregson immediately engaged with the Aliveness Project of Northwest Indiana, an organization focused on STD and HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness. He began daily medication, achieving an undetectable viral load, with goals to transition to a bimonthly injection treatment.
3. Impact on Life: Despite the diagnosis, Gregson reports minimal changes to his daily life, attributing this to advances in medical treatment.

HIV/AIDS Overview and Transmission

• HIV damages the immune system, potentially progressing to AIDS if untreated.
• Transmission occurs through sexual intercourse, blood contact, or childbirth.
• While incurable, HIV infection is controllable with antiretroviral medications.

Policy and Funding Challenges Affecting HIV/AIDS Progress

1. Federal Restructuring and Layoffs: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) laid off the entire staff of the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy, cutting 20,000 positions, raising concerns about the future of HIV/AIDS research and policy development.
2. Proposed Budget Cuts: A $400 million reduction to global health programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), threatens access to lifesaving antiretroviral medication for over 20 million people and endangers HIV-free births worldwide.
3. Community Impact: The cuts disproportionately affect marginalized groups such as Black, brown, LGBTQ+, and low-income populations, exacerbating health disparities.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

• Aliveness Project: Program Director Antoinette Cardenas expressed deep concern about funding cuts, emphasizing risks to prevention, treatment, education, and the reversal of progress in affected communities.
• HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute: Executive Director Carl Schmid criticized the cuts as an attack on vulnerable populations and warned of increased infections and medical costs.
• UNAIDS and LGBTQI+ Advocacy: UNAIDS highlighted rising HIV infections among LGBTQI+ populations despite overall global declines, urging continued support and partnership to combat stigma and inequality.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The issues highlighted in this report directly relate to several SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages through sustained HIV/AIDS research, treatment access, and prevention programs.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Addressing disparities in healthcare access among marginalized communities disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Supporting women and girls affected by HIV/AIDS, particularly in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Encouraging collaboration between governments, NGOs, and communities to sustain HIV/AIDS programs and research.

Recommendations and Future Directions

1. Reinvestment in Research and Programs: Federal leaders are urged to reconsider funding cuts and reinvest in HIV/AIDS research and global health initiatives to protect vulnerable populations.
2. Strengthening Community-Based Organizations: Support for organizations like the Aliveness Project is critical to maintain prevention, education, and care services locally.
3. Enhancing Data and Testing: Improved testing protocols and research are necessary to understand infection timelines and advance treatment options.
4. Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Policies must prioritize marginalized groups to reduce health disparities and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS.

Conclusion

Jeremy Gregson’s experience underscores the importance of accessible treatment and the progress made possible through sustained research and community support. However, recent policy decisions and funding cuts pose significant risks to these gains. Aligning efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals is essential to ensure continued progress toward ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and promoting health equity worldwide.

Contact Information

For further information, contact: akukulka@post-trib.com

Originally Published: June 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM CDT

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on HIV/AIDS diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and the impact of funding cuts on health programs.
   • It discusses access to medication, healthcare disparities, and the importance of research and education.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article highlights disproportionate impacts of HIV on Black, brown, LGBTQ+, and low-income communities.
   • It addresses social inequalities in healthcare access and outcomes.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • References to women and girls as key populations in HIV response efforts.
   • Focus on supporting marginalized groups including LGBTQI+ communities.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions the importance of partnerships between LGBTQI+ movements, people living with HIV, and other key populations.
   • It stresses the need for sustained funding and collaboration to continue HIV/AIDS research and care.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • 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.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential healthcare services and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
   • Target 3.b: Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for communicable and non-communicable diseases.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.6: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator 3.3.1: Number of new HIV infections per 1,000 uninfected population, by sex, age and key populations.
   • Implied by the discussion of new HIV infections globally and among specific populations (e.g., gay men, trans people).
2. Indicator 3.3.2: Tuberculosis incidence, HIV incidence, and other communicable diseases.
   • Relevant to measuring progress in reducing HIV incidence as described in the article.
3. Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services.
   • Implied by the discussion of access to HIV testing, treatment, and medication.
4. Indicator 3.b.1: Proportion of the population with access to affordable medicines and vaccines on a sustainable basis.
   • Discussed in the context of access to antiretroviral medication and treatment options.
5. Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities.
   • Implied by highlighting disparities in care and access among marginalized groups.
6. Indicator 17.3.2: Volume of official development assistance flows for health.
   • Relevant to the discussion on funding cuts to global health programs like PEPFAR.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: chicagotribune.com