KFF HEALTH NEWS – Republican congressional lawmakers are holding up President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funds — a global program that has been reauthorized with bipartisan support since its 2003 inception — after a conservative group said it indirectly funded overseas abortions. The Biden administration and other groups dispute the claim.
The Washington Post: Republicans Delay More Than $1 Billion In PEPFAR Funding
Republicans have delayed more than $1 billion in funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, better known as PEPFAR, the latest complication facing a lifesaving HIV program that has been ensnared in a broader political fight around abortion. (Diamond, 10/26)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Planned Parenthood Offering Two Drugs To Limit Spread Of HIV
Planned Parenthood clinics across Wisconsin now are offering two drugs, commonly known as PrEP and PEP, to those at risk of HIV exposure. …
“Planned Parenthood is focused on meeting the needs of our patients across Wisconsin, and providing essential medications to prevent HIV infection is an essential piece of providing the care our communities need,” said Amy Doczy, vice president of Patient Services at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin.
“Confidential, high-quality, affordable health care is our top priority, and we look forward to welcoming all individuals who need care regardless of their insurance or immigration status, gender and sexual identity.” (Egeren, 10/26)
Axios Detroit: Getting More Detroiters On HIV Prevention Medication
Though the revolutionary HIV prevention medicine is covered by most insurers, there still are huge barriers to access in Detroit and across the United States. There’s no cure for HIV, but it’s preventable and treatable thanks partly to pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP. (Frank, 10/26)
The New York Times: 10 Charged In $20 Million Scheme To Sell Black-Market H.I.V. Drugs
Federal prosecutors have accused 10 people of orchestrating a $20 million scheme to “get rich” by buying and selling black-market H.I.V. medications that in some cases had been purchased from low-income patients who risked their lives by selling it.
Some of those accused in the case then used the proceeds to buy luxury cars, waterfront real estate in New York City, designer clothes, jewelry and gold, according to a statement released Friday by Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. (Nolan, 10/20)
Fox News: ACLU Sues Tennessee For ‘Criminalizing HIV’ With Strict Prostitution Laws
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the state of Tennessee over a law that it claims violates the rights of HIV-positive people engaged in prostitution. (Kornick, 10/25)
In HIV/AIDS research —
Healio: Obesity Leads To Suboptimal Antiretroviral Drug Responses In People With HIV
Researchers determined that obesity can lead to reduced exposure and response to antiretroviral drugs. (Stulpin, 10/26)
MedPage Today: Clinical Challenges: How The COVID Pandemic Changed And Didn’t Change HIV Care
The COVID pandemic forced clinicians to come up with innovative workarounds to disruptions in care for people with HIV, but ultimately proved that there’s no substitute for in-person visits for this population.
The first year of the pandemic was plagued with numerous interruptions to HIV care, including healthcare providers canceling visits and patients missing visits, having difficulty accessing medical care, and overall lower confidence that they actually could manage their HIV care, according to a systematic review in AIDS and Behavior. (Walker, 10/24)
This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.
