Pointing to pledges made in the State of the Union speech earlier this week, both the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and HIV Medicine Association have asked Congress and President Donald Trump to raise budget caps for both defense and nondefense spending.
Their reasoning is that by coupling the new budget with increased research, health services, and training spending, the United States will strengthen its abilities to prevent, detect and respond to health threats. These threats are both domestic and global–they specifically noted pandemics as a threat that affects one and all. The catalyst for this push was a commitment the president had seen fit to emphasize in his speech, wherein he called for an end to defense spending budget caps.
“We strongly agree that the US government must stand by Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other areas affected by last fall’s devastating hurricane season,” the organizations wrote. “We oppose the reported decision by the administration to end FEMA’s shipment of food and water to Puerto Rico as of today and call upon the administration to reverse this decision immediately. We also reiterate our urgent call for emergency supplemental funding directed to Puerto Rico and other areas affected by the hurricanes to address ongoing public health concerns. Ongoing problems include waterborne pathogens, mosquito-transmitted illnesses and other infectious diseases outbreaks on top of providing access to basic preventive and healthcare services. Also, damaged public health facilities need to be repaired and their services restored.”
Yet their concerns came from multiple fronts. Not only were the organizations concerned about the damages wreaked on U.S. territories, but also mentions of the opioid crisis facing the county at large. They pointed out that addressing that problem–as called to in the State of the Union as well–requires increasing funds and evidence-based policies. Depending on law enforcement is not enough, especially when considering the epidemics that pop up alongside the epidemic. They have called for comprehensive action, especially as HIV, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne infections spread.
“While the President announced a $1.5 trillion investment in roads and bridges, well-supported health systems also are critical components of our nation’s infrastructure,” the organizations wrote.
Finally, they called for a “robust medical workforce” to maintain the greater public health infrastructure–something with which they sidestepped into the DACA debate. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients serve in roles throughout the U.S. healthcare system, the agencies noted–not just a fighting point between two parties. As a result, they called for a long-term solution for DACA recipients that allows them to stay in the United States.