A recent policy change by the Trump administration restricts the distribution of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), an HIV prevention drug, by the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The new policy limits PrEP availability to pregnant and breastfeeding women, excluding LGBTQ+ populations who are at high risk of HIV infection. This decision has led to increased risk and new HIV infections worldwide, as well as the shutdown of various HIV prevention programs.
Read the article to know more about this recent policy change.
https://www.them.us/story/trump-administration-hiv-prep-lgbtq-people
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does ” condemn” mean? “Global health organizations have condemned the Trump aid freeze particularly as it relates to HIV prevention, warning of dire consequences already taking place. ” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “furlough” mean? “The administration is already brought by a group of USAID employees last week, which led a federal judge to issue an injunction against the furloughing of USAID workers on February 7.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does “ideological” mean? “This decision appears to be less about public health and more about an ideological agenda that seeks to police morality rather than protect lives.” Use it in a sentence.
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- How do you feel about the decision to limit PrEP access to certain groups? Do you think it’s fair?
- What impact do you think this policy change could have on global HIV prevention efforts?
- Should governments be responsible for ensuring equal healthcare access for all, regardless of sexual orientation? Why or why not?
- How do you think affected communities can respond to policies that exclude them from essential healthcare services?