IMMEDIATE RELEASE – In a significant win for health equity and advocacy, the HSV Addendum to the STI National Strategic Plan has officially been included as a reference in the broader STI plan. This comes after a groundswell of public demand, with advocates and organizations rallying to ensure that herpes simplex virus (HSV) receives the attention it warrants as a major public health issue.
The HSV Addendum, initially overlooked in the STI plan’s public comment process, outlines critical goals to address HSV, including reducing stigma, advancing treatment innovation, and improving equitable care. HH+ voiced their concerns on platforms like Reddit and X, emailed federal employees, and attended public hearings, demanding that the federal government recognize the addendum’s importance.
Advocates highlighted that the oversight perpetuated the stigma surrounding HSV and undermined its public health impact. Their efforts have now secured a commitment to addressing HSV as a critical component of STI strategies moving forward.
The inclusion of the HSV Addendum opens the door for expanded research funding, better access to testing and treatment, and education campaigns to reduce stigma. Advocacy groups urge the public to remain engaged by submitting comments to further prioritize HSV-specific goals within the STI plan.
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For more information on how you can get involved and support these efforts, visit Herpesheroes.org.
Remember to submit a comment by December 6th