Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) in introducing legislation that would reverse recent foreign policy changes made by the Trump Administration that have shut down global HIV prevention programs and cut off access to HIV preventative medications, especially for at-risk populations around the world. The HIV Medication Access Act would amend the Foreign Assistance Act to clarify that HIV prevention, including PrEP, is lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
“In the decades since the height of the HIV epidemic, we have made medical and public policy advancements that have increased the lifespan of millions worldwide,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “We cannot allow politics to halt this progress. It’s past time to ensure that anyone who needs them has access to these lifesaving HIV medications.”
“We can stop the threat of HIV by preventing people from getting it in the first place. Prevention efforts, especially medication like PrEP, have been a lifeline in the global effort to end this fight,” said Senator Rosen. “The Trump Administration’s cruel and reckless attempts to shut down programs aimed at reducing HIV infections are shortsighted. When infections increase around the world, it puts the United States at an increased risk. I’m introducing this bill to continue our leadership on ending the HIV crisis before it’s too late.”
###