Introduction
The Department of Health & Human Services, also known as HHS, oversees the CDC and the FDA. The agency’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of Americans by providing adequate and efficient services. It also aims to foster scientific advancements in medicine, social services, and public health. The CDC is a government agency that carries out various activities to improve the country’s health security (Beer et al., 2019). It is responsible for providing vital scientific information and protecting the public from various threats, such as the HIV pandemic.
Discussion
The Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. initiative (EHE) is a collaboration among various agencies and offices within the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. It aims to end the HIV epidemic in the country by utilizing the latest scientific advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention (HIV.org, 2022). In addition, the CDC is working with various partners, such as local and state governments, communities, and individuals with HIV, to expand the use of proven prevention strategies (Beer et al., 2019). Through its technical assistance and funding, the agency is helping health departments in the EHE develop comprehensive plans to end the HIV epidemic.
The sponsor I can choose to move the issue forward is Magic Johnson, who has been at the forefront of HIV activism and philanthropic activities since his playing days. He spoke of his positive HIV status in 1991 and has continued spreading awareness to date (Cardazzi et al., 2021). In addition, his Magic Johnson Foundation provides financial help and internship opportunities to several students across the United States.
Fact Sheet
Approximately 1 in 7 infected individuals does not know they are infected. In the U.S., it is estimated that about 1,189,700,000 people, ages 13 to 59, have HIV. In 2019, about 158,500 (13 percent) undiagnosed individuals were also diagnosed (Kates et al., 2020). Approximately 36,801 people were diagnosed with HIV in the country in 2019 (Kates et al., 2020). These deaths could have been caused by other related factors as well.
Conclusion
According to the figures in the U.S. and worldwide, the disease could cause a lot of destruction and death if left unchecked. This is why the legislation that will be enacted to address the issue must be geared toward tackling the epidemic. As primary care providers, nurses play a vital role in implementing various healthcare programs by providing services and interventions. They are also responsible for setting the agenda for developing policies that affect the quality of care.
References
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Beyrer, C., Sullivan, P., Adimora, A. A., & Mayer, K. (2020). HIV in the USA: Priorities for the new administration. The Lancet, 396(10266), 1862-1863. Web.
Cardazzi, A., Martin, J. C., & Rodriguez, Z. (2021). Information Avoidance and Celebrity Exposure: The Effect of” Magic” Johnson on AIDS Diagnoses and Mortality in the U.S.
Fauci, A. S., Redfield, R. R., Sigounas, G., Weahkee, M. D., & Giroir, B. P. (2019). Ending the HIV epidemic: A plan for the United States. Jama, 321(9), 844-845. Web.
HIV.org (2022). HHS Agencies Involved in Ending the HIV Epidemic. MHAF. Web.
HIV.org (2022). U.S Statistics. MHAF. Web.
Kates, J., Millett, G., Dawson, L., Honermann, B., Jones, A., Sherwood, J., & Kuenzle, K. (2020). The broader context of “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America” initiative. American Journal of Public Health, 110(1), 58-60.