Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., warned that silence in the face of injustice is a choice. The fight against HIV is inseparable from the fight for civil rights—ending stigma, expanding access to care and ensuring that people with HIV are treated with humanity.

New Orleans has long ranked consistently near the top nationally for new and existing #HIV diagnoses: “HIV is not a fringe issue here,” writes Morris Singletary in a commentary for PA. “It is a defining public health challenge.”

PA wants to hear from you: What’s one thing that living with HIV has taught you that you’d want someone to know? Post your answer here. Select responses to appear in the next issue.

Comm. McDonald: “While influenza activity is elevated, there are simple steps New Yorkers can take to protect themselves & those around them, including getting vaccinated, staying home when sick & practicing everyday preventive measures.” health.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/2025-12-26_flu_cases.htm

Results from a phase 2 clinical trial evaluating once-weekly oral islatravir plus lenacapavir (ISL+LEN) show the combo to be statistically comparable to the popular once-daily pill Biktarvy through 48 weeks in people with HIV who are virally suppressed. www.positivelyaware.com/ISL-LEN-phase-2

Have you ever wanted to get PrEP but encountered resistance from your care provider, or had your HIV prevention medication rejected by insurance? PA is doing a story and wants to hear about your experience. Comment here or DM us.

The challenge now is translating historic firsts into sustained access, ensuring lenacapavir reaches not just thousands but millions and that communities most affected by HIV have both voice and agency as this prevention revolution unfolds. By Edith Magak. www.positivelyaware.com/lenacapavir-...

For World AIDS Day, a couple of friends who are also living with HIV joined PA editor Rick Guasco for a chat. You can see the fun they had hanging out. . positivelyaware.com/beto-terry-and-me

With so many options for HIV prevention at a time when HIV programs face massive cuts, education has never been more important—for health care providers and patients alike, says PrEP user Sean Leviashvili www.positivelyaware.com/prepping-health-care

PrEP is an effective—if not the most effective—HIV prevention modality. But the actions of this administration risk all the gains we’ve made, at a time when HIV rates are rising, say @jncherabiemd.bsky.social & Dr. Julia Rosebush. #SaveHIVFunding www.positivelyaware.com/hiv-prevention-on-the-brink

“...in 1990, my dad told me he was HIV positive,” writes pharmacist Rebecca Jackson. “...I didn’t care how or when he acquired HIV. All I cared about was being there for him, learning everything I could about this disease, and helping him live.” www.positivelyaware.com/my-why

The real promise of lenacapavir for PrEP goes beyond the drug itself, by offering more choice, more flexibility and a better chance that everyone can find an HIV prevention option that fits their life, writes @johnmeadejr.bsky.social. www.positivelyaware.com/from-promise-to-programs

“When we’ve exhausted all other methods for addressing a question, the non-human primate plays a critical role in helping [with] that last step before we go into clinical trials,” says the director of the Washington National Primate Research Center www.positivelyaware.com/cdc-primate-research-to-end

“...progress means nothing when the people who need it cannot access it. For Black women, barriers still show up everywhere,” writes Latonia Wilkins, BSW. “The science has moved forward, but the system surrounding it is not equitable.” www.positivelyaware.com/i-saw-myself

Results from the ARTISTRY-1 study show the new bictegravir-lenacapavir combo was statistically comparable to other existing pill regimens, although specific data were not disclosed. positivelyaware.com/bic-len-holds-promise

Despite plans to downsize and dismantle UNAIDS by the end of 2026, former program coordinating board member Christian Hui says the organization is uniquely positioned to lead the global fight against HIV. www.positivelyaware.com/articles/why...

“...we have never been closer to losing it all—the systems, services and scientific breakthroughs that have brought us to this point are all at risk unless we come together,” says Jeremiah Johnson as HIV advocates ring the opening bell at Nasdaq to call for action. positivelyaware.com/opening-bell

His doctor had once told him, “Once you’ve developed a diagnosis of AIDS, you will always be a person living with AIDS.” If “AIDS” is now considered an obsolete term, advocate Robert Toth asks, “What does that make me?” www.positivelyaware.com/no-one-gets-aids-anymore

Four advocates share their insight, identify key players in Congress, and talk about how they persuade and inform legislators to preserve funding for HIV programs—and what you can do to help. positivelyaware.com/PA-roundtable-1

Since last year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance, at least 55 trans folk have been lost to violence in the U.S., according to the Trans Murder Monitoring Project. Let remembrance turn to resolve, to make a world where every life is respected and cherished. tdor.translivesmatter.info

Brian Minalga, MSW, talks with two researchers, Sanjay R. Mehta, MD, and Susan Little, MD, who have developed a new approach to molecular HIV surveillance that could address stigma and privacy-related concerns. . positivelyaware.com/hiv-surveillance-data

With record sales of its Biktarvy and PrEP drug Descovy and the debut of Yeztugo, its six-month injectable for PrEP, Gilead Sciences reported $7.3 billion in 3rd-quarter sales—$5.3 billion of it from its HIV business. Also, Biktarvy gets an extended lease on life. positivelyaware.com/gilead-3q-sales

Funded by ViiV Healthcare, maker of cabotegravir, the ongoing study is looking at injection site reactions over a six-month post-injection period to measure participants’ willingness to use either #cabotegravir or #lenacapavir, produced by Gilead Sciences. positivelyaware.com/clarity-study-results

11 years ago the hep C drug sofosbuvir was launched at $82,000 for a 12-week regimen. “we predicted that it could be made for $68–$136”—now the generic version is $21, says the researcher whose team who now says $25 for lenacapvir for PrEP is possible. positivelyaware.com/25-dollar-lenacapavir

“I’ve learned to thrive with and because of my diagnosis,” writes Bridgette Picou. “Yet, I find myself back full circle. Worrying about dying and HIV. Or rather, once again worrying about how not to die while navigating life with HIV.” positivelyaware.com/living-by-not-dying

Over 500 PrEP users & #HIV PrEP advocates sent a letter sent to the CEOs of CVS Health and drugmaker Gilead Sciences, urging their 2 companies to get Gilead’s twice-yearly PrEP drug, Yeztugo, onto the pharmacy benefits manager’s list of drugs covered by insurance. positivelyaware.com/prep-advocat...

“I worry about people that aren’t that angry,” says Martina Clark. “...The damage is done and [we] will have to start over again…the way they’re doing it is evil.” Read more: positivelyaware.com/articles/channeling-rage

On National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, replace stigma, judgement and gossip with awareness, information and open conversation.

En el Día Nacional de Concientización sobre el VIH y el SIDA en Hombres Gays, reemplaza el estigma, el juicio y los chismes con información, conciencia y una conversación abierta.

India-based generic drugmakers @drreddy.bsky.social and Hetero Labs sign deals with @unitaid.bsky.social & @gatesfoundation.bsky.social to produce a generic version of Gilead Sciences’ 6-month injectable #lenacapavir for #HIV prevention for about $40 a year. positivelyaware.com/generic-lena...

Citing cost, CVS Health Corporation, parent of the pharmacy benefit manager CVS Caremark, won’t be adding #Yeztugo, the twice-yearly injectable #HIV prevention medication, to its formularies—at least for now. positivelyaware.com/cvs-says-no

Coming into a leadership role right now in an HIV organization is no small feat. New Orleans born Carl Baloney, Jr., has stepped up to bat at @aidsunited.bsky.social . He talks with @kenyonfarrow.bsky.social in a candid, one-on-one conversation. positivelyaware.com/new-AIDS-Uni...

Auckland, New Zealand is one of the major world cities on the “tomorrow” side of the international dateline—they’re 16 hours ahead of New York, for example. For them, A Day with HIV is just hours away.

Auckland, Nueva Zelanda es una de las grandes ciudades del mundo en el lado del “mañana” de la Línea Internacional de Cambio de Fecha—están 16 horas adelante de Nueva York, por ejemplo. Para ellas y ellos, Un Día con VIH está a solo unas horas de comenzar.

Un Día con VIH retrata 24 horas en la vida de las personas afectadas por el #VIH. Este lunes (22/9), fotografía un momento de tu día. Publícalo en tus redes sociales con un pie de foto que incluya la HORA, el LUGAR y QUÉ TE INSPIRÓ a tomarla; agrega el hashtag #adaywithhiv.

A convo with @aidsunited.bsky.social Drew Gibson about imperiled funding for #HIV programs in Congress. Drew’s reminder: “...oftentimes it's those last few voices that are the ones that stick in the minds of members as they go to vote.” . positivelyaware.com/drew-gibson-...

Ahead of “Magic” Johnson’s rare public appearance at #2025uscha, @posaware.bsky.social has republished our DEC 1991 cover story—excerpts from that extraordinary TV interview with Arsenio Hall, soon after Magic had tested positive. positivelyaware.com/magic-johnson-1991-interview

Just before the start of #2025uscha and the announcement of Harold Phillips as the new executive of NMAC, Paul Kawata spoke with Cecilia Chung about retiring after 36 years. positivelyaware.com/paul-kawata-retires

We get by with a little help from our friends. Sometimes, a lot of help from our friends. Special appreciation to @marksking.bsky.social and Derrick Mapp for putting together the fuchsia couch for our booth at #2025uscha. Stop by booth 321 and check it out.

If you’re at #2025uscha, check out this year’s booth. Get comfy, hang out, chat and take selfies. Say hi to the editor, too. You can also pick up free HIV drug guides featuring advocates from the DMV and get Pocket Edition HIV Drug Charts in English and Spanish. Booth 321.

Un Día con el VIH es un campaña anual contra el estigma. El 22 de septiembre toma una foto; agrega un pie de foto con la hora, el lugar y qué te inspiró a tomarla; añade #undiaconelvih. Publícala y mándala a [email protected]. Las fotos seleccionadas aparecerán en las revista Positively Aware.

First reported by the Wall Street Journal, there’s growing concern that #HHS secretary RFK, Jr. is going to fire the #USPSTF, which decides which preventive health services—including PrEP—must be covered by insurance. Conservatives believe the board is “woke.” positivelyaware.com/ousting-the-uspstf

On day 1 of his new administration, Trump froze U.S. foreign aid, including #PEPFAR, the successful global #HIV program. A new proposed law would add PrEP and include key populations as part of PEPFAR’s legal mission as the program continues to come under attack. positivelyaware.com/protecting-t...

La campaña anual contra el estigma del #VIH de la revista Positively Aware regresa el primer día de otoño, el lunes 22 de septiembre. Comparte un momento de ese día para contar tu historia. Más información próximamente.

Although $400 million for #PEPFAR, the U.S. global #HIV assistance program, was saved from the same “rescissions” package that defunded PBS and NPR, passing Trump’s measure has set a precedent to cut back more money—and programs—says @avac.org’s Annette Gaudino. positivelyaware.com/annette-gaud...

This morning @npr.org aired a report about how Trump’s tariffs are hurting the textile industry of Lesotho, a country that has one of the highest rates of #HIV in the world. Most garment workers in Lesotho are women, many of whom are living with #HIV. www.npr.org/2025/07/20/n...

Saving #PEPFAR sent waves of relief through last week’s #IAS2025, but #HIV advocates say it should be a wake-up call. “We need to figure out how to use our own resources more effectively, so our lives are not at the mercy of others,” said one activist. www.positivelyaware.com/rethinking-g...

‘...everyone deserves to live with freedom, joy and dignity.’ Stigma remains a driving force behind #HIV. The #ZeroHIVStigmaDay on July 21 reminds everyone how they have a part in ending HIV stigma. www.positivelyaware.com/zerohivstigm...

Connecting the dots among politics, power and health outcomes to build bridges across movements and borders and protect hard-won progress in the fight against #HIV. Edith Magak reports from #IAS2025. positivelyaware.com/protecting-progress

New data confirm Yeztugo nearly 100% effective preventing #HIV thru sexual transmission. Safe in pregnant persons & young people. First in a new drug class called capsid inhibitors, it interferes with the virus’ replication process at multiple points. #IAS2025 www.positivelyaware.com/yeztugo-data...