AIDS.gov News and Events

HHS Hosts Community Discussion on HIV/AIDS in New Orleans, LA November 12, 2009

AIDS.gov — 9 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST

The Southeastern United States is among the areas with the highest concentration of cases of HIV and AIDS around the country. Seven of the top ten states for AIDS case rates are in the South. Southeastern Louisiana continues to bear the brunt of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state of Louisiana.

President Obama Signs Ryan White HIV/AIDS Act

AIDS.gov — 30 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

The President talks about the legacy of Ryan White as he reauthorizes the landmark bill named in his honor that helps provide medical treatment to more than half a million Americans living with HIV/AIDS.

New Life-Saver for HIV Patients: Transplants

AIDS.gov — 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

HIV infection is no longer an automatic reason for denying organ transplantation to patients who are otherwise candidates for the surgery. Since 1989, more than 500 transplants have been performed in patients known to have HIV, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing, the Richmond, Va.-based organization that manages the country's transplant system.

HHS to Create a National Resource Center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Elders

AIDS.gov — 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced plans to establish the nation's first national resource center to assist communities across the country in their efforts to provide services and supports for older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.

Statement of Administration Policy - S. 1793 — Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009

AIDS.gov — 19 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

The Administration strongly supports Senate passage of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009. The Ryan White program provides critical health care and related services to uninsured and underinsured people living with HIV/AIDS. This legislation authorizes appropriations for the program for the next four years.

Statement from Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Regarding National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

AIDS.gov — 15 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

"United We Can Stop HIV and Prevent AIDS. Unidos Podemos Detener el VIH y Prevenir el SIDA." That is the message for the seventh annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, which our nation observes today, October 15. This day is an opportunity for us to honor the dedicated family members, neighbors, coworkers, spiritual and community leaders, people living with HIV and AIDS, educators, health care workers, and advocates who want to stop the spread of HIV and to link people living with HIV to treatment and care. We must all work together to tackle the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on Latino communities in the U.S.

SAMHSA Awards More Than $8.2 Million in Community Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention Grants to Help At-Risk Traditionally Underserved Populations

AIDS.gov — 14 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced the award of 5 new grants totaling up to $8.2 million for up to the next five years to community-based organizations providing integrated substance abuse and HIV/AIDS prevention services to at-risk, traditionally underserved populations.

Renewed Hope for an HIV Vaccine

AIDS.gov — 9 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Dr. Carl W. Dieffenbach, Ph.D discusses the research found in late September, when the U.S. federal government announced news on HIV vaccine research that sparked interest around the world. A trial called RV144, or the Thai HIV vaccine clinical trial, showed that the experimental vaccine regimen was safe and about 31 percent effective in preventing HIV infection.

FDA Marks 100th HIV/AIDS Drug Authorized for Purchase Under PEPFAR

AIDS.gov — 6 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) marked the recent approval of the 100th antiretroviral drug in association with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), aimed at the prevention, treatment, and care of people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS worldwide.

FDA Approves New Screening Test for Donor Blood Products and Organs

AIDS.gov — 2 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration announced approval of the Abbott Prism HIV O Plus assay, as a screening tool designed to detect the presence of certain antibodies to HIV.

US House Approves Measure to Extend Ryan White Funding for 30 Days

AIDS.gov — 25 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

The continuing resolution passed by the US House extends funding to the legislative branch for 30 days, and it includes a provision to fund the Ryan White CARE Act.

Statement from Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Regarding National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

AIDS.gov — 25 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

On September 27, our nation will observe National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD). This is a day for us to reflect on the devastating impact that HIV and AIDS have had among gay and bisexual men, to recognize that HIV continues to affect this community disproportionately, and to commit to reducing that disparity.

HIV Vaccine Regimen Demonstrates Modest Preventive Effect in Thailand Clinical Study

AIDS.gov — 24 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

In an encouraging development, an investigational vaccine regimen has been shown to be well-tolerated and to have a modest effect in preventing HIV infection in a clinical trial involving more than 16,000 adult participants in Thailand. Following a final analysis of the trial data, the Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, the trial sponsor, announced today that the prime-boost investigational vaccine regimen was safe and 31 percent effective in preventing HIV infection.

US Closer to Lifting HIV Travel Ban

AIDS.gov — 23 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

A new directive from the Obama administration may indicate that the United States is about to drop the longstanding policy prohibiting foreign nationals with HIV from entering the country.

White House National HIV/AIDS Community Discussion to be Held in Washington D.C.

AIDS.gov — 18 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

On Monday, September 21st, the next National HIV/AIDS Community Discussion will be held in Washington, D.C. These Discussions, hosted by the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP), offer the public a chance to provide input as the White House works to fulfill the President’s pledge to develop a National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS).

Remarks at Swearing-In Ceremony for Dr. Eric Goosby Global AIDS Coordinator and Ambassador-at-Large

AIDS.gov — 18 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks at the Swearing-In Ceremony for Dr. Eric Goosby Global AIDS Coordinator and Ambassador-at-Large.

Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Risk of Sexual Transmission of HIV Infection and Superinfection

AIDS.gov — 9 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

The past decade has seen substantial advances in the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) - medications used in combination to reduce the replication of HIV virus and treat HIV-infected persons.

HIV Screening Tests Proposed to Be Added to Medicare's List of Covered Preventive Services

AIDS.gov — 9 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new proposal that would cover Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection screening for Medicare beneficiaries who are at increased risk for the infection, including women who are pregnant and Medicare beneficiaries of any age who voluntarily request the service.

Dr. Helene Gayle appointed chair of The Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA)

AIDS.gov — 24 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

Secretary Sebelius appointed key leader to chair PACHA.

MMWR: Use of Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Monovalent Vaccine

AIDS.gov — 22 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

This report provides recommendations by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding the use of vaccine against infection with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus.

President Obama Announces National HIV/AIDS Community Discussions

AIDS.gov — 21 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

President Obama today announced the launch of the National HIV/AIDS Community Discussions, a series of events to be held across the country. These events, hosted by the White House Office of National AIDS Policy (ONAP) will offer the public a chance to provide input as the White House works to fulfill the President’s pledge to develop a National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS).

National HIV Prevention Conference To Convene In Atlanta

AIDS.gov — 21 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

The National HIV Prevention Conference will take place Aug. 23 to Aug. 26 in Atlanta and will feature discussions, a town hall, seminars and speeches that address HIV prevention including some focused on the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual community.

CDC Report Shows 10 Percent Drop In Overall HIV-Related Death Rate In 2007

AIDS.gov — 20 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

In 2007, there was a 10 percent drop in the overall HIV-related death rate, the biggest one year decline in HIV-related mortality since 1998.

VA Information - Informed Consent for HIV Testing: Regulatory Change

AIDS.gov — 17 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

Starting on August 17, 2009, VA will no longer require that patients sign a form to consent to HIV testing or that they receive scripted, standardized pre- and post-test counseling before and after HIV testing.

FDA Regulations To Improve Access To Investigational Drugs For People With HIV/AIDS, Other Illnesses

AIDS.gov — 13 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

The FDA posted on its Web site new regulations designed to provide broader access to experimental drugs for seriously ill people who have exhausted all other commercially available treatments.

New charter and membership brings opportunity for improved White House advisory council

AIDS.gov — 6 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST

On Tuesday the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) revised its charter and terminated the memberships of all existing members, paving the way for a more diverse organization with the potential to influence the White House.

Christopher Bates, Director of HHS' Office of HIV/AIDS Policy, Receives Mustard Seed Award for Public-Private Partnership with African-born Americans

AIDS.gov — 28 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

Christopher Bates was recognized for his HIV/AIDS work with African-born Americans to develop a healthy and sustainable community at the first Mustard Seed Award Banquet, hosted by the Continental African Community, USA, Inc.

Longitudinal Association of Alcohol Use with HIV Disease Progression and Psychological Health of Women with HIV

AIDS.gov — 28 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

The association of alcohol consumption and depression, and their effects on HIV disease progression among women with HIV, were the subjects of the current study.

Correlates of Heterosexual Anal Intercourse Among At-Risk Adolescents and Young Adults

AIDS.gov — 27 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

In the current study, the researchers sought to identify factors associated with anal sex among adolescents and young adults.

House Bill Lifts Ban On Needle Exchanges

AIDS.gov — 24 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

The House approved a bill that would lift the 21-year ban on using federal money for needle exchange programs, a move that could give the District and other cities more flexibility in their efforts to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS among intravenous drug users.

HUD To Distribute $310M In Housing Assistance Grants For People Living With HIV/AIDS

AIDS.gov — 23 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday announced that it will provide several housing assistance grants to help low-income families living with HIV/AIDS.

Longer, Stronger HIV Drug Regimen For Breastfeeding Women Cuts Mother-To-Child Transmission Rate, Study Finds

AIDS.gov — 22 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

HIV infection rates among babies are significantly cut when mothers are given prolonged ARV treatment during breastfeeding, according to findings released at the International AIDS Society conference in Cape Town, South Africa.

Study: Possible Progress on HIV Eradication

AIDS.gov — 17 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

The results of the present study may contribute to the future design of class I HDACIs for treating HIV-1.

Justice Department Releases New Fact Sheet on the Rights of Persons with HIV or AIDS to Obtain Occupational Training and State Licensing

AIDS.gov — 17 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

The Justice Department today released a new technical assistance fact sheet on legal requirements relating to admitting individuals with HIV or AIDS to occupational training schools and granting state licensure in occupations such as barbering, massage therapy and home health care assistance.

New rule will let VHA providers obtain verbal rather than written consent for HIV testing, effective 8/17

AIDS.gov — 16 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

This document adopts, without change, the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on December 29, 2008, updating informed consent requirements related to testing for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) for Veterans receiving health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

FDA Approves Expanded Use Of HIV Drug

AIDS.gov — 10 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

Merck announced on Thursday that the FDA has approved expanded use of its HIV drug, Isentress.

TB Vaccine Too Dangerous for Babies with AIDS Virus, Study Says

AIDS.gov — 7 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

The World Health Organization is recommending that the Bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccine against tuberculosis be delayed until infants can be tested for HIV.

US May Lift Ban on HIV Visitors

AIDS.gov — 30 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is expected to issue a proposal this week to remove HIV from the list of "communicable diseases of public health significance" that preclude entry by foreign nationals.

Commentary: Simple HIV test can save lives -- by Dr. Kevin Fenton

AIDS.gov — 26 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

Every nine and a half minutes someone's brother, mother, sister, father, or neighbor becomes infected with HIV in the United States. That's 56,000 people every year. But there's something we can all do to help protect ourselves and our partners from this disease -- get tested for HIV.

New Global AIDS Chief Goes to Work Immediately

AIDS.gov — 24 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

Dr. Eric Goosby wasted no time starting his new job as the U.S. global AIDS coordinator. He flew from the Bay Area to Geneva hours after his confirmation by the Senate and was sworn in when he landed.

Dr. Eric Goosby Assumes the Role of U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator

AIDS.gov — 23 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST

In this role, Ambassador Goosby will lead all U.S. Government international HIV/AIDS efforts. Ambassador Goosby will oversee implementation of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), as well as U.S. Government engagement with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.