{"id":10569,"date":"2017-11-13t12:16:26","date_gmt":"2017-11-13t17:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.k12fl.com\/advocates-blog\/advocates-blog-advocates-blog\/pepfars-updated-strategy-could-leave-behind-key-populations-1\/"},"modified":"2019-09-16t16:52:30","modified_gmt":"2019-09-16t20:52:30","slug":"pepfars-updated-strategy-could-leave-behind-key-populations-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.k12fl.com\/statement\/pepfars-updated-strategy-could-leave-behind-key-populations-1\/","title":{"rendered":"pepfar\u2019s updated strategy could leave behind key populations"},"content":{"rendered":"

criminalization across key populations facilitates stigma and discrimination, making it harder to access healthcare services, such as hiv care and treatment and even commodities like male or female condoms. this stigma also means that young people are more likely to confront negative attitudes and harsh treatment from providers, which exacerbates poor health outcomes. multiple studies, in fact, have also shown that criminalization deters hiv testing, and does not serve as an effective method of hiv treatment and reduction.<\/p>\n

as the largest bilateral donor to global health, and to hiv in particular, the policies, programs, and positions of pepfar must not perpetuate this stigma and discrimination.\u00a0 reducing new hiv infections among key populations is an essential step towards ending the epidemic as detailed in the hiv prevention 2020 road map<\/a>.<\/p>\n

an increase of programs, financial investment, and commitment from the u.s. government is essential. the failure to prioritize key populations is short sighted, misguided and dangerous.<\/p>\n