Statement from ASTDA and Sexually Transmitted Diseases about Federal Actions Affecting STI Control

February 14, 2025

The mission of the American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association (ASTDA)—to foster scientific knowledge, develop leadership, and champion practice in the field of sexually transmitted infections—is predicated on scientific evidence as promulgated through its journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Much of this evidence is generated by federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the academic and public health institutions these agencies support.

The Board of Directors of ASTDA and the Editors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases are therefore deeply concerned about the initiatives of the current administration to restructure these agencies. These actions disrupt the collection, analysis and dissemination of data that are critical for effective sexually transmitted infection (STI) control in the United States.

Moreover, the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development, the potential discontinuation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization put millions of lives at risk both domestically and internationally. If enacted, these changes could reverse years of progress in the prevention of HIV and STI worldwide.

We want to assure ASTDA members and Sexually Transmitted Diseases readers that we are closely monitoring these developments. We urge everyone to take an active role by communicating with their elected representatives at the local, state and national levels, including sharing with policymakers the potential impacts of new policies and orders on the health of our nation and beyond.

Board of Directors,
American Sexually Transmitted Diseases Association

Editors,
Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Disclaimer: Government employees represented on the above boards are excluded from endorsing this statement.