Who is still getting HIV in America? Medication is only half the fight – homing in on disparities can help get care to those who need it most
Two-thirds of new HIV infections are among gay and bisexual men. Although cases have decreased among white men, they have stagnated among communities of color.
Dec. 1, 2023 • ~6 min
HIV self-test kits are meant to empower those at risk − but they don't necessarily lead to starting HIV treatment or prevention
Many people at heightened risk for HIV have never been tested. Those who have self-tested for HIV often don’t go on to receive care or change their sexual behavior.
Oct. 2, 2023 • ~5 min
Anemia afflicts nearly 1 in 4 people worldwide, but there are practical strategies for reducing it
Among young children, adolescents and adult women, anemia strikes 1 in 3 globally. Most cases are driven by dietary iron deficiency, red blood cell disorders and untreated tropical diseases.
Sept. 8, 2023 • ~8 min
Gay men can now donate blood after FDA changes decades-old rule – a health policy researcher explains the benefits
In 1983, during the early days of the AIDS epidemic, the US Food and Drug Administration made the decision to ban gay men from donating blood. Now, 40 years later, it is dropping that rule.
May 16, 2023 • ~6 min
Challenging the FDA's authority isn't new – the agency's history shows what's at stake when drug regulation is in limbo
As the government’s oldest consumer protection agency, the FDA has long butted up against drugmakers, activists and politicians. But undermining its work could be harmful to patient health and safety.
April 26, 2023 • ~9 min
Grassroots AIDS activists fought for and won affordable HIV treatments around the world – but PEPFAR didn't change governments and pharma
The US PEPFAR initiative has brought HIV medication to millions of people globally. Behind this progress are the activists that pressured politicians and companies to put patients over patents.
Jan. 24, 2023 • ~10 min
Mpox, AIDS and COVID-19 show the challenges of targeting public health messaging to specific groups without causing stigma
Prejudice and stigma can discourage the communities most affected by infectious diseases from seeking care. Inclusive public health messaging can prevent misinformation and guide the most vulnerable.
Dec. 14, 2022 • ~9 min
HIV therapies currently need to be taken regularly for life – longer-lasting antibody treatments could one day offer an equally effective one-shot alternative
Antiretroviral therapies for HIV, while extremely effective, need to be taken daily for life. Designing antibody treatments that need to be taken only once could improve compliance and reduce drug resistance.
Sept. 23, 2022 • ~7 min
'Men who have sex with men' originated during the HIV pandemic to focus on behavior rather than identity – but not everyone thinks the term helps
The term ‘MSM’ allows public health interventions to gloss over the social, political and cultural complexities of identity. But it’s not without its limitations.
Sept. 22, 2022 • ~7 min
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