The Health Resources and Services Administration awarded more than $147 million to 49 recipients to help reduce new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the U. S. by at least 90% by 2030.
The funding awarded by the administration, which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will help the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative, a news release said.
“Ending the HIV epidemic requires us to reach people living with the virus where they are, and that’s exactly what this program allows us to do,” HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said in the release. “Through this program and others, we will continue our work to destigmatize this deadly disease and ensure equitable access to testing and treatment.
The funding will help states and metropolitan areas with the highest levels of HIV transmission connect people with HIV to essential care, support and treatment, as well as support training and other resources, the release reported.
Nearly $139.1 million will go to metropolitan areas and states for medical and support services to reduce new HIV infections in the U.S. Two non-profit organizations will receive $8 million for training and other resources to recipients of Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. funds, according to the release.
HRSA’s funding supports the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, which helps low-income people who have HIV receive medical care, according to the release. The Ryan White program helps more than 576,000 people stay in care.
“HRSA is proud to build on our 30 years of experience in the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to help lead the fight to end the HIV epidemic in the United States,” Health Resources and Services Administration Administrator Carole Johnson said in the release. “We are expanding treatment and partnering with communities to address critical health-related needs like housing and mental health. These awards expand our efforts to ensure that we can reach people with HIV and connect them with the care they need to not just survive but thrive.”
Through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, nearly 90% of clients who receive care can reach viral suppression, which means they cannot transmit. According to the release, this rate exceeds the national viral suppression average of 64.6%.
