Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to Improve Access to HIV Care for Women, Children, and Youth

The Biden-Harris Administration has announced more than $68 million in funding to improve access to HIV care for women, infants, children, and youth through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, according to a news release by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

HHS, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will provide this funding to community-based organizations across the country to deliver lifesaving, culturally responsive HIV care and support services to help women with HIV access the health care they need and live long, healthy lives.

"HHS is committed to helping new moms and their babies stay healthy, so we are making vital health care services – including care for those living with HIV – available and accessible," said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.

HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson emphasized the importance of this funding, stating, "We know that many women with HIV continue to face barriers accessing HIV care and treatment, including stigma and lack of social support. Through this funding, community-based organizations across the country will deliver lifesaving, culturally responsive HIV care to help women with HIV access the health care they need and live long, healthy lives."

The announcement was made during the latest stop on HRSA's Enhancing Maternal Health Initiative tour, which is focused on accelerating HRSA's maternal health work to address maternal mortality and maternal health disparities. The funding is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's National HIV/AIDS Strategy and HRSA's comprehensive efforts to advance maternal health outcomes.

In 2022, more than 142 000 women received services from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, representing a quarter of all clients in the program. Additionally, 89.9% of female clients receiving Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program medical care reached viral suppression, meaning they cannot sexually transmit HIV to other people and can live long, healthy lives.

Since its launch in January 2024 in Washington, DC, the initiative has made significant strides, including state convenings and substantial funding announcements across various states. The ongoing efforts of HRSA, combined with the substantial financial support, aim to transform maternal and HIV care, ensuring healthier futures for women, infants, children, and youth across the nation.

Reference
US Department of Health and Humab Services. Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $68 Million to Improve Access to HIV Care for Women, Infants, Children and Youth. Published online July 31, 2024. Accessed August 9, 2024. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/07/31/biden-harris-administration-announces-more-68-million-improve-access-hiv-care-women-infants-children-youth.html#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Department%20of,incomes%2C%20infants%2C%20children%2C%20and