On Wednesday, December 8, HIV.gov hosted Live with Leadership: People, Place, Policy, & Science MatterExit Disclaimer. The conversation focused on the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to ending the HIV epidemic, including the role that syndemics such as viral hepatitis, STIs, mental health, and substance use play in the epidemic. Participants were:

• Dr. Jonathan Mermin, Director of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB PreventionExit Disclaimer at the Centers for Disease Control and PreventionExit Disclaimer.
• Dr. Laura Cheever, Associate Administrator for the HIV/AIDS BureauExit Disclaimer at the Health Resources & Services AdministrationExit Disclaimer.

Guillermo Chacón, President of the Latino Commission on AIDSExit Disclaimer and a new member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDSExit Disclaimer (PACHA), moderated the conversation.

Dr. Mermin said decreasing health disparities is important and that changing laws can provide long-term sustainable solutions. He also discussed how accurate tests, antiretroviral medication, and PrEP usage can help end the HIV epidemic in the United States.

Dr. Cheever explained how the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program provides comprehensive care, medication, and support services. The program, which works with health departments and community-based organization to provide HIV-related medical care and prescription drugs for people living with HIV, also addresses social determinants of health—meeting people where they are with a patient-centered approach.

Both guests were enthusiastic about the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, noting how it incorporates social determinants of health and addresses racial and gender disparities in a whole of society approach.

Past Conversations

The Live with Leadership series provides opportunities to hear directly from key HHS and HIV community leaders about new and ongoing work to further the goals of Ending the HIV Epidemic and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. In 2021, topics included the HIV Research for Prevention ConferenceExit Disclaimer, the 40th Anniversary of HIV, and NIH-funded researchExit Disclaimer.

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