SWOT NHAS

Ted Cruz and Hillary Clinton may have been declared the winners of the Iowa Caucus, but how do this year’s presidential candidates stack up when it comes to HIV-related issues? Hard to say, since the topic rarely emerges in debates. That’s why Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) sent a survey to all 18 candidates back in December, asking about their plans to end the epidemic.

The results are in, and of the 16 remaining candidates, only three submitted responses: Hillary Clinton (D), Martin O’Malley (D) and Bernie Sanders (D). Their responses can be read in the report titled “Presidential Candidates’ Response to HIV & AIDS 2016.”

“With 50,000 new infections across the country every year, voters deserve to know where every candidate stands on policies relating to the epidemic,” said GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie in a press release on the report. “Many debates have taken place, and not one moderator asked about HIV and AIDS, which is why GMHC decided to release this survey. GMHC will continue to work tirelessly throughout the 2016 election cycle to ensure HIV and AIDS prevention, care and advocacy is a priority for any serious contender running for office."

GMHC explains the background of the survey:

The campaigns were informed of the deadline of January 18, 2016, and that GMHC would publish their responses without any edits. All campaigns were informed of our intention to share with the country which candidates did not respond to our survey.

Our survey is a concise, non-exhaustive list of questions based on:
  • The goals and plans of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy;

  • Research such as the NIAID Strategic Timing of antiretroviral treatment;

  • (START) study, the World Health Organization’s Early Release Guidelines and the development of PrEP and PEP;

  • Our 33 years of experience on the ground.

Sample questions sent to the candidates include:

  • Access to healthcare is a major driver of the HIV and AIDS epidemic. If elected, how will you improve upon the reach of Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act?

  • If elected, will you direct the federal government to prevent price gouging by pharmaceutical companies for medications that treat and prevent HIV and related illnesses?

  • What is your position on federal protection from discrimination based on HIV status? In particular, please share your position on the FDA lifetime ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men.

You can download a free PDF of the GMHC presidential candidate report here.