As HIV research gutted at federal level, NWI man shares his HIV story
Gregson, 48, said he suffered a stroke in 2023, and when he went to his doctor for follow-up care he told her to test him for everything. Within 30 minutes of testing his blood sample, the doctors learned he was HIV positive, he said.
With that knowledge, Gregson said doctors believe his stroke was caused by the HIV virus in his system. Gregson said he approached his diagnosis with medical reasoning, in that he knew what to do next: Get set up with the Aliveness Project of NWI, which is a STD and HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness organization, get medication and get an infectious disease doctor.
'With today's technology and medicines, it's treatable so I said, 'Okay, I'll take a pill,'' Gregson said. 'It was like, 'I'll just take medicine and be fine.''
Human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, damages the immune system, which results in the body being less able to fight infection and disease. Over time, if untreated, HIV can become acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, AIDS, according to the Mayo Clinic.
HIV is spread through sexual intercourse, contact with blood or through childbirth. There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but medicines can control the infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The most challenging part of his diagnosis, Gregson said, was that his doctor didn't perform the proper testing to determine when he first became HIV positive. Gregson said he has since found a new doctor, and on June 25 he went to take a specialized test to hopefully determine when he first came in contact with the infection.
Currently, Gregson takes a pill daily as treatment and his viral load has been so low that he's undetectable. But, Gregson said his viral load has to decrease a little more to qualify for a bimonthly shot, which is his and his doctor's goal.
Overall, Gregson said his life has stayed mostly the same since his diagnosis.
Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. laid off the entire staff of the federal government's Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy, as part of a restructuring plan that involved cutting 20,000 HHS positions. Gregson said that move left him feeling confused.
'How does research and testing affect him or anyone else in the government? What is this guy doing?' Gregson said. 'We're so close. They're already testing cures in other countries, and it's working. Why can't we just get this and move forward?'
Kennedy has also engaged in HIV and AIDS denialism in one of his books.
Protesters interrupted a U.S. Senate hearing on Wednesday where Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought was recommending a $400 million cut to global health programs like the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has helped save 26 million lives and helped nearly 8 million babies to be born HIV-free across the world, according to the George W. Bush Institute. Cutting funding would endanger access to lifesaving antiretroviral medication for more than 20 million people and could put babies at risk of contracting HIV or losing their parents to the disease, the Bush Institute's statement said.
The Aliveness Project Program Director Antoinette Cardenas said in a statement that the organization is 'deeply concerned about the federal government's decision to significantly reduce funding and dismantle key HIV/AIDS research.'
'These changes not only jeopardize the progress we've made in prevention, treatment and education but also send a harmful message to communities still disproportionately impacted by HIV — particularly Black, brown, LGBTQ+, and low-income individuals,' Cardenas said.
Federal research had played a critical role in improving health outcomes, advancing treatment options and addressing stigma, Cardenas said.
'Scaling back this support risks reversing hard-won gains, especially in areas like Northwest Indiana, where disparities in care and access remain stark,' Cardenas said.
The Aliveness Project will remain committed to serving those living with HIV/AIDS through HIV testing, prevention and education, harm reduction, linkage to care and comprehensive care management, Cardenas said.
The organization will also expand local partnerships and seek alternative funding sources to sustain and grow its services, Cardenas said.
'We urge federal leaders to reconsider these cuts and reinvest in life-saving research that protects vulnerable populations and upholds public health. Lives depend on it,' Cardenas said.
After the layoffs were announced, HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute executive director Carl Schmid released a statement stating the U.S. cannot take a break from researching and treating infectious diseases as it will result in a rise in infections and medical costs.
'This was not done to increase government efficiency but was a blatant attack on specific communities and populations. With all of these cuts, how are we going to, as Secretary Kennedy repeatedly says, 'Make America Healthy Again'?' Schmid said.
UNAIDS released a statement in May ahead of International Day against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia that despite progress in the HIV response LGBTQI+ communities have seen an increase in new HIV infections.
Since 2010, new HIV infections have dropped 35% among adults globally, while new HIV infections have increased 11% among gay men and by 3% among trans people, according to the release.
'Threats to the lives and dignity of LGBTI people are escalating worldwide and cuts to foreign and development aid, as well as rollbacks in diversity, equity and inclusion policies, are only making it worse – especially for our communities,' said Julia Ehrt, ILGA World executive director, in the statement. 'Every day, we see projects and organizations to advance safety, well-being and dignity being shut down.'
UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima said the organization will continue to support LGBTQ communities throughout the world.
'We must continue supporting and promoting partnerships of LGBTQI+ movements with people living with HIV, women and girls and other key populations. In unity, communities can find the power to disrupt injustice and drive the changes that are required to end AIDs,' Byanyima said.
Gregson said he is hopeful that researchers will find ways to continue pushing forward with their work in HIV/AIDS treatment and research.
'The people in that field do it for the passion,' Gregson said.
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