Programs that provide treatment, fuel prevention and combat HIV/AIDS stigma must expand without being eliminated as they work to eradicate the disease that ended Ryan White’s life.
FDA approves shots twice a year to prevent HIV
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved just two shots worldwide to prevent HIV. (Scripps News)
Scripps News
Ryan White was a lively and cheerful kid who loved basketball, Nintendo and dreaming. In 1984, 13-year-old Ryan contracted HIV through a contaminated transfusion used to treat hemophilia.
The widespread misconception that HIV/AIDS dominates the headlines and overturning the horror facts, banned Ryan from attending his school and kicked him out of his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. His tragic story suddenly pushes Ryan onto the national stage, where he changes his attention to the powerful forces that will change perceptions of people living with HIV/AIDS.
He didn’t know how far his message would reach. However, he decided to use it for better profits. His courage influenced the creation of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. It continues to help Americans and people around the world, keeping them safe and healthy.
At the time of his diagnosis, the doctor had given Ryan only six months to live there. April 8, 1990, six years later, six years later, we sat together at Ryan’s bedside and held his hand as he lost his young, heroic life to AIDS. First Lady Barbara Bush attended his funeral and businessman Donald Trump came to the family home to pay his respects.
When Americans needed to act compassionately, Ryan opened the door and urged everyone to seize and help.
Ryan White Care Method Saves Life
Four months later, in his name, Congress almost unanimously enacted the Ryan White Care Act. After years of fear and paralysis, the US government has finally committed to taking part in the fight against our common enemy, AIDS.
Ryan is grateful for the progress he has made. Today, more than half a million Americans living with HIV are receiving life-saving treatment through the Ryan White Care Act.
In 2019, President Trump proudly launched his HIV epidemic initiative in his coalition speech, a focused prevention effort to end the HIV epidemic in America by 2030.
This evidence-based strategic initiative has achieved prominent results, reducing new HIV infections by 21% in targeted communities, and linking people newly diagnosed with HIV with critical care and support services.
This push to end AIDS is full-fledged across America, but young people are now suffering the most severely affected, especially in the South.
We are grateful that the previous Congressional draft budget continues to continue to provide extremely important funding for the Ryan White Care Act and HIV epidemic efforts. This is affirmation of the effectiveness of these programs and bipartisan support.
Proposed budget cuts threaten HIV progress
However, the proposal would also end federal funding to the state for HIV surveillance, testing and education. For community-based organizations that reach the most at-risk people. Drug abuse treatment and mental health programs are important to help control HIV infection.
More than 40% of people living with HIV are receiving Medicaid care and treatment, so they are also wary of attempts to cut Medicaid.
Without this important insurance, many people living with HIV will not take the care or medication they need to maintain their health. The President says don’t ruin Medicaid. We agree.
As we work to eradicate the disease that will end Ryan’s life, programs that provide treatment, fuel prevention and anti-aircraft fights must be expanded without being eliminated.
The opportunity to change the game at that moment is to expand preventive medications that will keep people free of HIV. Prep’s recent US-led development – a pill or shot that prevents the virus from being retained – is just a necessary tool to end AIDS, but only if it is accessible to those who need it.
Economics is persuasive: 14,000 people can receive general preparations ($30 a year) for lifelong medical expenses One person HIV ($420,285) – Keep Americans healthy, HIV-free and productive.
The moment of truth lies here. As the administration and Congress are considering investment priorities for next year, we urge them to continue to work together in the fight against AIDS around the United States and around the world.
Together, their investments have created a once-generation opportunity to end AIDS in America by 2030, as President Trump wants. Together, they can seize the opportunity by banking to preventive measures.
Ryan doesn’t expect anything less.
Jeanne White Ginder is Ryan White’s mother. World-renowned musician Elton John founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992.
