The RFI seeks stakeholder input on how to address rising rates of STDs and what strategies can be implemented to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, coordination, accountability, and impact of the federal response to STD prevention, care, and treatment policies.

Topics for comment include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. How should the federal government address the rising rates of STDs?
2. What strategies can be implemented by federal agencies to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, coordination, accountability, and impact of our national response to increasing rates of STDs for all priority populations?
3. What are the barriers to people getting the quality STD health services they deserve? What strategies can be implemented by federal agencies to overcome these barriers?
4. How can federal agencies influence, design and implement STD-related policies, services and programs in innovative and culturally-responsive ways for priority populations?
5. How can the federal government help to reduce STD-associated stigma and discrimination?

As discussed in a recent Health Affairs blog by Avalere experts, the RFI follows a February 5 announcement from HHS on its plan, “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America,” to eliminate new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmissions by 2030. Subsequently, on March 11, the administration released its budget request for fiscal year 2020, seeking $291 million in funding next year for the domestic program to eliminate new HIV transmissions by 2030.

Though the Administration is increasingly looking to fund initiatives addressing the STD public health epidemic, successful prevention and treatment requires several interventions on multiple levels. Solutions will need to use complementary interventions across both the healthcare delivery system and public health infrastructure.

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