By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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THURSDAY, March 20, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The Trump administration is weighing elimination of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\u2019s (CDC) Division on HIV Prevention, sparking concerns among public health experts.<\/p>\n
If implemented, the move could shift HIV<\/a> prevention efforts to another agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).<\/p>\n A source familiar with the plan said discussions are still in the “very, very preliminary stages” and no final decision has been made, NBC News <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n But a memo circulating among HIV prevention advocates suggests the change could take place soon.<\/p>\n Experts fear the move could weaken national HIV prevention efforts.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be devastating,\u201d Jesse Milan<\/a>, president and CEO of AIDS United, told NBC News<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery new HIV transmission results in a person having a lifetime cost related to being HIV positive,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n The CDC\u2019s HIV Prevention Division tracks HIV infections, conducts research and promotes prevention strategies such as PrEP, a medication that reduces infection risk.<\/p>\n Recent data show progress, with new HIV infections declining, especially among 13- to 24-year-olds. Even so, an estimated 31,800 new cases were reported nationwide in 2022.<\/p>\n The plan could move HIV prevention work from the CDC to HHS\u2019s Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), which now focuses mainly on treatment through the Ryan White HIV\/AIDS Program.<\/p>\n Another proposal under consideration could slash up to $700 million from the CDC\u2019s HIV division.<\/p>\n Public health advocates warn that reducing prevention funding could ultimately cost taxpayers millions in treatment expenses.<\/p>\n In an emailed statement, HHS spokesman Andrew Nixon<\/a> said no final decision on streamlining CDC’s HIV Prevention has been made.<\/p>\n “HHS is following the Administration\u2019s guidance and taking a careful look at all divisions to see where there is overlap that could be streamlined to support the President\u2019s broader efforts to restructure the federal government,” Nixon said.<\/p>\n “This is to ensure that HHS better serves the American people at the highest and most efficient standard,” he added.<\/p>\n The CDC\u2019s HIV prevention work dates to the 1980s, when the agency responded to the emerging AIDS crisis. Advocates argue that the division is critical.<\/p>\n “The Ryan White HIV\/AIDS Program does not fill all the HIV gaps,” Harold Phillips<\/a>, deputy director for programs at NMAC, an advocacy group, said. “It only serves those with an HIV diagnosis.”<\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cleveland Clinic has more on HIV and AIDS<\/a>.<\/p>\n