The US is slashing HIV/Aids funding. A 'steady drumbeat' of activists stands at the ready

Advocates staged protests in New York City to oppose federal cuts to HIV/AIDS funding, calling for a “steady drumbeat” of organizing as Congress and agencies reshape health and research budgets. The demonstration took place earlier this month at the Stonewall Inn area and ended with a die-in to mark 45 years since the first reported cases of HIV/AIDS. The article says the crisis has killed more than 700,000 Americans and an estimated 40 million people worldwide since 1981. Activists targeted multiple policy moves, including new Medicaid rules issued as part of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act,” which would require millions of low-income Americans to show they are working, studying, or otherwise active for at least 80 hours per month to keep coverage. The Urban Institute estimates this could cost 5 million to 10 million people Medicaid by 2028. For roughly 40% of Americans with HIV who rely on Medicaid at any given time, advocates warn that interruptions could undermine viral load suppression. In New York, about 55,000 people with HIV—half of those living with HIV—depend on Medicaid, and the article says the new rules could drive increases in infections. The U.S. House has also proposed cutting $225 million from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.