The world feels out of control, and we know you are feeling the weight of these times. In particular to our friends in Los Angeles, our hearts are with you. I’ve waited to reach out amidst the fires, but when the time is right, let’s talk about how we can support people living with HIV who have been impacted. 

Unfortunately, the world does not stop. The challenges ahead for our community will come from many directions - from the incoming administration to the new Congress, and the judiciary - but we are being vigilant so that we can be prepared. NMAC has always been an advocate for this community and that will continue as we pursue a focused strategy to engage the incoming administration. NMAC is working quickly to finalize our team and develop a strategy to protect the HIV community.

Our focus is clear: securing and protecting funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) initiative under the new administration. Why this focus? First and foremost, because we see continuation of the EHE initiative as our single greatest opportunity for success. The EHE initiative originated during President Trump’s previous administration, and we believe that with the right approach, we can renew their support and achieve a quick win for the community that establishes a foundation from which can advocate for the many other policies and budget priorities that are so critical to this community.

Additionally, we understand that this funding is essential—it sustains healthcare, medications, housing, and other critical services for people living with HIV. Private philanthropy cannot replace what’s at stake.

Besides, now is not the time to forsake this effort. We believe that the goal of elimination is achievable by 2030. Innovative technologies coming to the market in 2025 could be the catalyst needed to end HIV not only in the United States, but around the world.

This work will be led by NMAC’s Harold Phillips, who led EHE efforts for the Assistant Secretary for Health in the first Trump administration. Harold’s invaluable first-hand experience will be a tremendous guide to us in this effort, and our continued advocacy moving forward.

NMAC may need to pivot as circumstances evolve. Please understand that while there is a thoughtful strategy guiding our actions, that we may not always be able to share every detail publicly. Our hope is that HIV will fly under their radar; we just want to get ready should our movement need options.

Yours in the struggle,

Paul Kawata