National Challenge to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma and Disparities
HHS Announces New National Challenge to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma and Disparities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the launch of The HIV Challenge, a national competition to engage communities to reduce HIV-related stigma and increase prevention and treatment among racial and ethnic minority people.
Through this challenge, HHS is seeking innovative and effective approaches to increase the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis medication (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) among people who are at increased risk for HIV or are people with HIV. The HIV Challenge is open to the public, and HHS will award a total of $760,000 to 15 winners over three phases. Phase 1 submissions are open from July 16, 2021, through September 23, 2021.
HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, but an estimated 14 percent (1 in 7) do not know it. HIV testing, early diagnosis, and treatment prevent HIV and delays disease progression. The CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 years be tested for HIV.
Despite advances in HIV prevention and treatment tools, not everyone is benefiting equally. HIV disproportionately impacts men who have sex with men and African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian and Alaska Native populations.
The HIV Challenge will have three phases, each of which will be evaluated separately. Prizes will be awarded for each of the three phases. Challenge participants will compete for cash prizes for the design of a concept, development of an approach, and small-scale testing of their approach.
For more information about The HIV Challenge submission requirements, deadlines, judging criteria, competition rules, prize amounts, and how to submit a proposal, visit www.challenge.gov/challenge/reduce-HIV-related-stigma