Statement from ASTDA Leadership about Uncertainty in STI Research and Program Funding

March 28, 2025

The last two months have been deeply challenging for many of us. Most STI scholarship and STI program activity in the US is funded by the federal government. Recent changes in national funding priorities have led to pauses or cancellation of research that is critical to the forward progress of STI science. Recent announcements by governmental leaders that may lead to reductions in staff at the federal, state or local levels add to the challenges that we face. Many of you have experienced significant disruptions that will have far-reaching consequences for the collection and dissemination of data and for the provision of care, education or other resources. Some of you have lost your jobs. Changes in communication channels have delayed the review and publication of original research, which may have ripple effects for the development of clinical guidelines and surveillance reports. These actions have consequences for the people who would benefit now and in the future from the STI research and program activities that have been interrupted.

As the leaders of ASTDA, we are reaching out to say clearly that your work is important and valued. While we cannot predict how the coming months and years will affect our field, we already know that people who work on STIs and sexual health more broadly – all of us – are resilient. We are a vibrant community with deep connections across institutions, including throughout academia, non-profit organizations, community groups, governmental institutions, and industry partners. We will not disappear. We will keep supporting each other. We will look for creative ways to work together on urgent scientific and programmatic goals. We know that STI science reduces morbidity and mortality; it also recognizes the dignity of all people. We are proud of the critical work of ASTDA members which affirms that all people deserve good sexual health. We at ASTDA will continue to advocate both for the importance of this work and for the people who have dedicated their careers to carrying it out.