26 Jan Statement from the American Academy of HIV Medicine on FY26 Domestic HIV Funding
As Congress moves toward final action on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) consolidated appropriations bill, the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM) sees a mixed picture for domestic HIV programs. While the bill steps back from some of the most damaging cuts proposed last year and preserves several core HIV investments, it also leaves critical gaps that threaten patient access, prevention momentum, and the HIV care workforce.
“AAHIVM is cautiously encouraged that foundational programs, including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, CDC HIV prevention, and key NIH HIV research activities, appear largely protected in the current FY26 package. At a time of intense fiscal pressure, maintaining these pillars reflects an understanding that sustained investment in HIV care and treatment remains essential,” said Bruce J. Packett II, Executive Director of AAHIVM. “However, maintaining funding at current levels will not get us to the goals set forth in the Ending the HIV Epidemic plan rolled out under the first Trump Administration. Ending the HIV epidemic in the U.S. requires not only additional funding, but also policies that enable access to prevention and treatment for all communities.”
In the bill’s current form, critical components of the domestic HIV response remain vulnerable. Prevention initiatives, workforce development, training programs, and the scale-up of new innovations are particularly at risk under the proposed funding levels. Without targeted investment, promising tools — including long-acting prevention and treatment options — may not reach the communities that need them most, especially in Medicaid-dependent, rural, and underserved areas.
Now that the budget has passed in the House, the Senate consideration is expected to follow when that chamber returns from recess. AAHIVM urges lawmakers to use the remaining steps of the FY26 appropriations process to strengthen domestic HIV investments. Protecting access to prevention and treatment, ensuring equitable care across all communities, accelerating the rollout of proven and emerging innovations, and stabilizing the HIV clinical workforce are essential to ending HIV as a public health threat.
“Not long ago, the United States was within reach of defeating HIV. We have the tools and the strategy to do so. But science alone doesn’t save lives,” Packett added. “Without policies and funding that ensure treatment and prevention are accessible in every community, progress will stall. AAHIVM’s clinician members see the consequences of underinvestment every day. We need Congress to act to ensure we reach our goal of ending HIV as a public health threat.”