Improving ADAP Recertification: Reducing Barriers to Care & Achieving Equity for People Living with HIV

By: Jen Laws, Board Member, ADAP Advocacy Association, and HIV/transgender health advocate

The Biden Administration has repeatedly asserted a priority to achieving social equity by specifically addressing the systemic barriers to a freer, fairer society. Among one of the greatest barriers to equity is the financial burdens associated with complicated health conditions, an issue readily acknowledged by the administration’s special enrollment period (SEP) for the federal health care marketplace and expanded subsidies inclusion in the American Rescue Plan (ARP). 

In reviewing this policy priority, the Biden Administration must consider the practical barriers created by burdensome application processes, particularly among programs aimed at helping the most marginalized and systemically disadvantaged among us. For people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs), the eligibility recertification process for services under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) – specifically in an effort to maintain medication access via AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (Part B) – is exceedingly burdensome. It represents a prime opportunity to reduce barriers to care. To that end, earlier this week the ADAP Advocacy Association called upon the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) to improve the ADAP eligibility recertification process.

At current, in order for impoverished PLWHAs to access and maintain RWHAP-related benefits, they must first prove their HIV status, need based on other available benefits, and income upon applying for these benefits. Additionally, every six months thereafter, clients must prove their need based on other available benefits and income. For many states, this process includes multiple, required, in-person visits, verification of adherence to prescribed medication, verification of efforts toward seeking other public benefits, and verification of income. Some states allow for “self-attestation of no change” in terms of income and benefits.

Dr. David Malebranche points out, this is an unnecessary and overly burdensome process not just for clients but for providers as well, “[It] makes my job difficult because often patients are given time with me that is sucked up by them having to see the benefits counselor, which throws a wrench in the entire clinic schedule and puts everything behind. It's bad for patient care and causes staff/provider burnout.”

Twitter - @DMalebranche

(Screen capture, Twitter - @DMalebranche: "Two things need to happen with the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) that helps uninsured people living with #HIV get no-cost medication: 1. Recertification should be every year instead of every 6 months. 2. An online recertification system to upload required documents.”)

Dr. Malebranche went further to describe how between patients and providers, paperwork burdens can be untraditional in the sense of having to access multiple portals or websites or produce paper documents. Lack of investment in supporting clinic resources, specifically in recruiting and retaining staffing talent among benefits and/or case managers, has left several of his clients either lacking reminders to begin recertification or late reminders – resulting in the client falling out of care.  “That's just a few. Many of those issues can be tackled and improved, but people just don't want to on the local, state, and federal level.,” Dr. Malebranche continued, “And it just doesn’t follow the science. I have clients that don’t need to come see me every 6 months. Some of my clients don’t need to come in but once a year, if not for recertification.”

Indeed, the statutory requirement of ADAP grant recipients (states) and subrecipients does NOT include any specific time frame requirement for recertification. That policy is largely the result of an interpretation by HRSA through a “policy clarification notice” (PCN) for “[r]ecipients and their subrecipients are expected to vigorously pursue eligibility for other funding sources…” 

Ultimately, HRSA decided this means states and their contractors providing RWHAP services must mask impoverished PLWHA to jump through exceeding challenging hoops every 6 months to prove their need and the help they need cannot be provided by anyone else. Absent that directive – which, again, has no statutory basis – HRSA has given little direction as to how states must verify the need of RWHAP services for PLWHA within the state. Instead, HRSA routinely provides other suggestions – lacking the strength of guidance - often responding to lamentation of PLWHA and subrecipients providing direct services about the burden of certain state processes. 

In the wake of Covid-19 being declared a national public health emergency, HRSA issued further clarification to PCN 13-02, regarding processes related to eligibility for services under the RWHAP. Last updated on September 22, 2020, HRSA’s answer to all posted “frequently asked questions” regarding client recertification reads as follows:

"The health and safety of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) recipients, providers, and clients remains of paramount importance to HRSA during the COVID-19 pandemic. HRSA HAB encourages recipients to exercise flexibility in their eligibility determination and six-month recertification processes to promote social distancing practices and implement remote (telephonic or electronic) documentation processes when possible. Policy Clarification Notice (PCN) 13-02: Clarifications on Ryan White Program Client Eligibility Determinations and Recertification Requirements (PDF - 173 KB) outlines existing requirements and flexibilities with regard to RWHAP client eligibility determination and six-month recertification. Some examples of eligibility and recertification practices that are not required as per PCN 13-02 include:

• In-person actions related to eligibility
• Handwritten client signatures to accompany self-attestation
• Notarized documentation to support eligibility and recertification determination
• Documentation of any changes in income at six-month recertification if the change does not impact RWHAP eligibility
• Dis-enrolling clients from RWHAP services who are unable to recertify eligibility within a reasonable timeframe

RWHAP recipients and subrecipients assume the risk of recouping any RWHAP funds utilized for clients ultimately determined to be ineligible, and should instead charge an alternate payment source, or otherwise ensure that funds are returned to their RWHAP.

HRSA HAB encourages RWHAP recipients to reassess their organization's eligibility and recertification policies and procedures and remove any procedures that may impede social distancing or other public health strategies necessary to minimize Covid-19 transmission, or that impose any additional requirements beyond those specified in PCN 13-02."

In this, again, HRSA abdicates directing states to invest in making RWHAP services, and thus ADAPs, more meaningfully accessible to PLWHAs who need these services the most. In this particular area, the Biden Administration has an opportunity to both reduce barriers to care and prosperity for PLWHAs but to also change HRSA’s approach to modernization in a way that helps this administration achieve its goals in Ending the HIV Epidemic, domestically.

Photo Source: The Washington Free Beacon

Dr. Malebranche agreed. “I shouldn’t have to hope a sample of antiretroviral medication will get a client through until their recertification finally gets seen. My clients shouldn’t have to worry more about the paperwork than getting their care and, frankly, that’s where we’re at. And we’re losing people to care because of it.” Dr. Malebranche said an ideal would be annual recertification, a single portal/website, and proper funding in order to fully staff the needs of a clinic, client, and reporting would go a long way to meeting the needs of the moment. 

We need a uniform message between program operations, eligibility, and requirements and the message the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, state health departments, and providers are supposed to be delivering: it’s time to meet people where they’re at. That means updating PCN 13-02 to allow for annual recertification and fund model program designs from the ground up. Answers to “FAQs” aren’t meaningful, if they lack enforcement and funding.

“I think now is a perfect time to revise things with ADAP. We've seen how the pandemic has disrupted care for people living with HIV, sexual and reproductive health and PrEP/PEP - why not make some modifications that have been needed for years now while we are having to make changes anyway?” 

An analysis of the State ADAP recertification process is available online at https://tinyurl.com/ctf5t696.

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates. 

Hope for Now: Addressing Suicide Among PLWHAs

By: Jonathan J. Pena, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA)

“This highway's dark and empty.

Just miles and miles of endless road.

I've got a sickness pounding in my head.

I'm at the mercy of the ghost.”[1]

A diagnosis of being HIV positive back when this epidemic began, was synonymous with death. This, now dark road, was paved with unfathomable fear as more questions arose than answers. The virus was no longer the only infection that had occurred, as despair took form and occupied more mental space than hope. While receiving a diagnosis of being HIV positive no longer is a death sentence thanks to antiretroviral medication, people living with HIV/AIDS can sadly still face this type of mental darkness as a part of their lived experiences that leads to suicide ideation and successful suicide attempts.

Photo Source: Getty Images / tadamichi

Annually, an estimated 800,000 people die worldwide from suicide according to the World Health Organization.[2] In looking at the general population who have suicidal ideation, 1 out of 3 will attempt to commit suicide and one death will result from 286 attempts.[3] When compared to the general population, one in every two people living with HIV/AIDS experiences suicidal ideation and one attempt at suicide will occur according to a study conducted by the Penn State University College of Medicine.[4] Additionally, data analysis from 185,000 people living with HIV/AIDS indicated that this population were 100 times more likely to die from attempted suicide in contrast to the general population.[5] 

“I sought after, after reasons to stay

I was lost, I was lost”[6]

People living with HIV/AIDS experience risk factors that can contribute to the strong sentiments of feeling lost within their diagnosis. One of the most profound sources that impacts healthy experiences of happiness is the connectivity we received from other people. People serve as the bridge and catalyst of shared experiences across time and locations. Societal stigma towards HIV/AIDS works to sever these dynamic and powerful human connectivity by devaluing basic human respect and compassion. Society often labels people living with HIV/AIDS as other within communities and this population quickly become outcasts. Through this process, shame and guilt can be fostered and become increasingly hard to overcome if we are not effectively targeting and addressing mental illness within this population. Dr. Paddy Ssentongo, a researcher and epidemiology doctoral student stated that “there is an urgent need to prioritize mental health screening and care into all HIV testing and treatment settings.”[7] As a social worker within mental health, I really resonate with this statement. Targeting HIV testing and treatment settings can help clinicians to target people who may be suffering with trying to find reasons to stay in this world because the darkness they feel from society as a result of their diagnosis. Additionally, this population faces other risk factors like neurological changes, poverty, lack of access to care and advanced disease.[8] 

“How can I instill such hope, but be left with none of my own?

What if I could sing just one song and it might save somebody’s life?”[9]

When we shift our perspective of HIV/AIDS from an individual issue to community healing, we usher in hope that may have been lost with a positive diagnosis. We need to strengthen and revitalize our approach to HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention to include mental health screening. Effective patient centered care isn’t solely about the diagnosis and approaching it as such would greatly diminish our ability to make effective, long lasting changes when it comes to treatment as a whole. We need to incorporate more of the human component to HIV treatment and care because it is within that sphere that we get to learn about the lived experiences that are occurring. Again, remember that people are LIVING with HIV/AIDS, so we need to understand how the various aspects of their lives intersect with one another. This provides invaluable information that can useful in targeting mental health screening across areas like healthcare, poverty, childcare, employment, and education, just to name a few. 

Living with HIV/AIDS doesn’t need to become a dark and empty pathway that extinguishes the hope of a continued happy and fulfilled life. Modern medicine has changed the landscape of HIV treatment and care opening up the road of this population to live long and healthy lives. Now, in order to strengthen this approach to longevity, we need to remember our own humanity and incorporate that element of strength in order to give hope to those of us sitting in the dark.

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates. 

[1] Song Lyrics by City of Colour, “Hope for Now”.

[2] Cox, T. (2021). People living with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher risk of suicide. Penn State News. Retrieved from: https://news.psu.edu/story/661753/2021/06/28/research/people-living-hivaids-have-significantly-higher-risk-suicide#.YOhQh_nmJ0Z.twitter.

[3] Cox. People living with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher risk of suicide.

[4] Cox. People living with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher risk of suicide.

[5] Cox. People living with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher risk of suicide.

[6] City of Colour. Hope for Now.

[7] Cox. People living with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher risk of suicide.

[8] Cox. People living with HIV/AIDS have a significantly higher risk of suicide.

[9] City of Colour. Hope for Now.

High Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death for People Living with HIV/AIDS

By: Jonathan J. Pena, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA)

Longevity is the end result that many people strive towards when aiming at leading and living a healthy life. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) have that same goal and with antiretroviral medication, longevity has become a materialized reality. However, PLWHAs are twice as likely to experience sudden cardiac death.[1] 

Sudden cardiac death happens without any warning rather quickly with loss of consciousness at a physical triggered reaction. Death is often the result that follows. Research indicates that autopsies from HIV positive individuals found that the heart muscle was damaged. This occurrence is called fibrosis and a key indicator as to why sudden cardiac deaths are more prevalent within this population.[2] 

Dr. Zian Tseng, a lead researcher and electrophysiologist at the University of California, expressed that “deaths caused by fatal arrythmias among HIV patients are 87% higher than among the general population.”[3] High levels of inflammation are the driver in this alarming statistic and thus people living with HIV/AIDS need to be vigilant and have regular conversations with their doctors because inflammation can also be found in other areas like lymph nodes, the stomach and liver.[4] 

Photo Source: Cleveland Clinic

These finding were pulled from a study where Dr. Tseng and colleagues looked at unexpected deaths from people with HIV in the San Francisco area from 2011 until 2016. The team examined a total of 610 autopsies from this time period and discovered that 109 on those were cardiac arrest that occurred out of a hospital setting. From this set, 48 showed indications of sudden cardiac death and 22 from heart disease and arrhythmia. Additionally, the study showed deaths not related to cardiac distress which included diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney failure, bleeding and infections.[5] 

Research results like this put the lived experiences of PLWHAs into perspective. This is especially true for Long-Term Survivors.

Tez Anderson, Executive Director of Let’s Kick Ass-AIDS Survivor Syndrome, expressed: “Reading the reports on increased sudden cardiac death reminds us of how tenuous life is, especially for people living with HIV and AIDS for decades. It's something we learned very early in life and remains the leitmotif of survivors' lives. We've long known increased inflammation takes a toll on our bodies, even when our viral load is undetectable. The studies do not say it, but I imagine the length of time since HIV infection is a factor. This information is not new. I've known too many older adults with HIV who have died from fatal heart attacks. These studies point out the need for more studies on older adults with HIV and prevention intervention.”

Anderson statement speaks to how longevity within HIV positive populations still requires the same level of attention and vigilance as it did when the epidemic began. Antiretroviral medication changed the landscape in HIV/AIDS treatment and as a result PLWHAs now can live a longer life. However, living a longer and healthier life is the endgame. Due to its nature, the virus wreaks havoc on the body and even with viral suppression via medication, the virus continuously attacks and weakens essential organs in the backdrop. Additionally, while antiretroviral medication is lifesaving, the medication itself is taxing on the body and vital organs from the toxicity that needs to be continuously flushed out by our body’s defenses. 

So, as Anderson expressed, “what can we do about it?” What we can do is continue research and learn about the virus as we have since the epidemic began. 

The results of modern medicine have open up the possibility of longevity for PLWHAs and that fight needs to continue towards a cure. However, we need a greater understanding of how the virus affects long term survivors and how we can gain a handle the negative consequences of   inflammation. On a more micro-level, PLWHAs need to continue being an active participant in their treatment. Now more than ever, regular doctor visits are vital as well as honest and open conversations about the level of care that are needed for a long and healthy life. Stay invested and vigilant as strive to put an end to this virus.

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates. 

[1] Reinberg, S., (2021). Living with HIV Raises Odds for Sudden Cardiac Death. U.S News. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-06-17/living-with-hiv-raises-odds-for-sudden-cardiac-death.

[2] Reinberg. Living with HIV Raises Odds for Sudden Cardiac Death.

[3] Reinberg. Living with HIV Raises Odds for Sudden Cardiac Death.

[4] Reinberg. Living with HIV Raises Odds for Sudden Cardiac Death.

[5] Reinberg. Living with HIV Raises Odds for Sudden Cardiac Death.

CDC Reports Record-Breaking STD Cases

By: Jonathan J. Pena, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA)

In life, being at the top has always been a driving force of accomplishments, recognition, and even bragging rights. We see this playout in areas like sports, personal careers, and even friendly rivalries between family and friends. However, rising to the top isn’t always a place that you would want to find yourself in. Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been on the rise for six uninterrupted years. 

The Center for Disease Controls and Prevention (CDC) released data demonstrating that “more than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis” were reported in 2019.[1] In their last report in 2014, 1.4 million cases were reported giving way to a 1.1 million increase in cases to date. Some states have reached the top ten list of states with the highest cases of either chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis. Additionally, the rises in STD’s exposes what communities are being hit hardest.

Photo Source: USA Today

Chlamydia is a curable infection, but it can be spread through vaginal, oral and anal sex with an infected person. States like New York, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, and New Mexico ranked in the top ten with the highest cases of chlamydia. New Hampshire has the lowest total cases of 2019.[2]

Gonorrhea cases were highest in Mississippi, South Carolina, Alaska, Alabama, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, South Dakota, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Much like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea is a common STD and spread in the exact same way. However, there are some important factors that set it apart. First, “young people ages 15-24 years” are being infected and like other infections, this can present complications for a pregnant mother as she can pass the infection to their child at birth.[3] This infection is curable but drug-resistant strains have emerged making it harder and harder to treat the infection. Vermont is the state with the lowest cases. 

Like the previous two infections, Syphilis is spread sexually by an infected person with a syphilitic sore or otherwise known as a chancre sore.[4] Also, like the previous infections, syphilis can be spread to a new-born child during birth from an infected mother. According to the CDC, if a mother does not treat her infection, congenital syphilis can lead to “miscarriages, premature births, stillbirths, and deaths of newborns.”[5] States that hit the top ten are New Mexico, Mississippi, Nevada, Oklahoma, California, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana. 

This data certainly is alarming, but these cases also bring to the surface all too familiar disparities that persevere within minority groups. When compared to non-Hispanic white people, STD rates were 1-2 times higher within Hispanic or Latino populations. American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders face rates 3-5 times greater than non-Hispanic white populations. African Americans face rates 5-8 times higher than non-Hispanic white populations.[6] 

Marcus J. Hopkins, Operations Manager for the Community Education Group (CEG) & Project Manager for the Rural Health Service Providers Network, highlights some key factors in these findings. He states, “"When you look at the list of states where rates of STDs/STIs have skyrocketed, with rare exception, the same group of states saw dramatic increases—Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, & South Carolina. These states share several characteristics: high levels of endemic poverty, significant barriers to accessing basic healthcare services, highly restrictive public health programs and systems, and low levels of health literacy.”  

It isn’t hard to see how this statement from Marcus J. Hopkins rings true. These states have many pockets of rural communities which naturally present challenges in accessing healthcare miles from home. Rural communities also have a shortage of clinicians that are willing to work in these specific areas which further amplifies accessibility to healthcare services. Marcus J. Hopkins also adds, “outside of metro areas, it’s virtually unheard of for providers in rural areas to routinely test their patients for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis. It is unconscionable for our public health infrastructure to serve only those in urban and suburban areas.” 

Photo Source: USA Today

While all groups experience STDs, minority groups continue to experience larger and larger disparities. Urban cities shouldn’t be the only hubs for healthcare accessibility nor the touchstones of greater public health care systems. Prominent public outreach is needed in rural communities that extends to not only access to healthcare services but also fosters programs that educate communities on the various and important aspect of health within a healthcare system. Minority populations also need targeted approaches to community health with clinicians of all kinds that culturally represent those within their communities. Representation matters because community members are more likely to seek services if there is an understanding that their healthcare system has clinicians, and programs, that understand their culture and thus can guide them towards a goal that addresses their specific needs. 

These consecutive rising rates of STD’s don’t need to become an expected yearly occurrence. While more work needs to be done on a macro-level to bridge healthcare disparities, people living with HIV/AIDS can still rise to meet the importance of their personal health. Continue to stay active in your care of not only HIV treatment but also in the value of understanding how all aspects of healthcare strengthen the ability to continue to lead a healthier life.

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates. 

[1] Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (April 2021). Reported STDs in the U.S. reach all-time high for 6th consecutive year. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved online from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/statistics/2019/default.htm. 

[2] Gabriella, M. (2021, June 15). STDs reach all-time high for sixth consecutive year in the US. Is your state in the top 10? USA Today. Retrieved online from: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/06/15/std-rates-reach-all-time-high-us-which-states-have-most-cases/7700643002/. 

[3] Gabriella. STDs reach all-time high for sixth consecutive year in the US. Is your state in the top 10?.

[4] Gabriella. STDs reach all-time high for sixth consecutive year in the US. Is your state in the top 10?.

[5] Gabriella. STDs reach all-time high for sixth consecutive year in the US. Is your state in the top 10?.

[6] Gabriella. STDs reach all-time high for sixth consecutive year in the US. Is your state in the top 10?.

Did Enochian Bioscience Inch One Step Closer to Ending HIV/AIDS?

By: Jonathan J. Pena, MSW, Licensed Clinical Social Work Associate (LCSWA)

In the fall of 2003, I was sitting in my doctor’s office anxiously waiting for the results of my recent lab blood test. My body was partially frozen by the all of the “what-ifs” that were running through my mind, but also by the look my friend gave me a week prior as he said, “you don’t look right, you need to see a doctor.” A random glance bestowed upon me a level of fear that I had never before experienced in my life. The doctor walks in and without hesitation says that my HIV is out of control and I have full blown AIDS. He scribbled something on a pad, ripped the paper off and said, “here, start taking this and I’ll see you in three months.” What he gave me was a prescription for Atripla. 

For some people living with HIV/AIDS, the idea of taking antiretroviral therapy for the first time can be an overwhelming thought process. While antiretroviral medication has made significant improvements since the days of AZT in the late 1980s, its inception had left a dark cloud of mistrust, fear of horrible side effects, and even death, when the time came for me to trust modern medicine to save my life. We know today, that antiretroviral medications are largely effective in fighting the virus so that people living with HIV/AIDS can achieve viral suppression and become undetectable.  

The battle to end HIV/AIDS continues. Enochian BioSciences Inc, a company that concentrates in gene-modified cellular and immune therapies in infectious diseases and cancer, announced earlier this year on June 14th, that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration had accepted a “pre-investigational new drug request for a potential treatment for HIV.”[1] 

Photo Source: Enochian BioSciences

This request was positioned by the findings of a 54-year-old man living with HIV who obtained viral control of the virus for 255 days with Natural Killer and Gamma Delta T-cells treatment.[2] This is a remarkable discovery as the man was previously unable to achieve suppression through antiretroviral medication. In this single case study, the Gamma Delta T-cells are a targeted interest in this treatment as it may be a crucial factor in viral control. Of course, this case study needs to be expanded to include how those living with HIV/AIDS who are virally suppressed by taking antiretroviral medication react to this new potential treatment 

This news certainly ushers in a wave of excitement because the battle to end HIV/AIDS is a longstanding fight. However, it does come with concerns. 

Stated Jen Laws, President of Policy Candy LLC, and ADAP Advocacy Association board member: “On the policy front, I worry about costs, continuity of care, and program design. Part of what's happened since the advent of single pill regimens and expanded medical competency making HIV a manageable chronic illness is, in general, our life expectancy has grown to be equivalent or longer than the general population. Regular doctor visits to maintain our prescriptions has meant we're more on top of our health than some other populations. It's a side benefit, if you will, that I think we might lose with a near once-yearly therapy.” 

I echo these concerns with a great deal of emphasis. The landscape of HIV care will undoubtably change, as mentioned by Jen Laws, so it is crucial to continue to bridge the gap between affordability and accessibility when looking at the spectrum of continuity of care. Program development needs to echo effective public policy that is deliberate in representing the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS, especially in low-income communities. Additionally, healthcare employees, like social workers, will need flex their superpowers in order to maintain the vigilance that communities need to have in regard to their medical needs. 

Photo Source: Vanguard

This new case study certainly is promising but the battle to End the Epidemic is not over, and that message needs to be remembered and conveyed continuously. “We've been chasing this goal for 40 years and the emotional ups and downs that comes with hopeful therapies can be challenging, individually and collectively. Part of what I think drives some policy makers to think 'HIV is over' is the fairly routine headlines of medical advancements - whether they pan out or not,” Laws additionally commented. 

As a person living with HIV/AIDS for the past 18 years, I have dreamed about an end to the epidemic ever since I starred at my prescription slip for Atripla all those years ago. I imagine that many, if not all, others living with HIV feel the same. The culmination of fear, struggle, achievements and hope battling HIV/AIDS, needs to be kept in focused. Complacency is not a state of being that we need to harbor, as it can begin to halt or undo the strides that have been accomplished over decades of vigorous work within HIV/AIDS care. We are not done, yet.

Disclaimer: Guest blogs do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADAP Advocacy Association, but rather they provide a neutral platform whereby the author serves to promote open, honest discussion about public health-related issues and updates. 

[1] Enochian Bioscience (2021, June 14). Enochian BioSciences Announces FDA Acceptance of Pre-IND Request For Potential HIV Cure. Yahoo! Finance. Retrieved online at https://finance.yahoo.com/news/enochian-biosciences-announces-fda-acceptance-110000386.html. 

[2] Cooper, Alex  (2021, June 16). Did Researchers Uncover a Functional HIV Cure? HIV Plus Magazine. Retrieved online at https://www.hivplusmag.com/treatment/2021/6/16/did-researchers-uncover-functional-hiv-cure?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=treatment.