More than a Name Change: AIDS.gov becomes HIV.gov

We’ve changed our name from AIDS.gov to HIV.gov!

To learn more about our name change and the reasons behind it, join us for our Facebook LiveExit Disclaimer discussion on Wednesday, June 7, at 12:00 p.m. (ET), with Dr. Richard Wolitski, Director of the HHS Office of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Policy, Jesse Milan, Jr., President & CEO of AIDS United, and Kaye Hayes, Executive Director of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.

In the lead-up to changing our name, we gathered input from the community. Here’s what some had to say:

• “NMAC applauds the name change from AIDS.gov to HIV.gov, which honors the past while recognizing the power of words and acknowledging that their meanings change over time. We have worked closely with AIDS.gov for over 10 years, and the name change reflects the program's longstanding and ongoing commitment to listen to the HIV community. In recent years, we have seen tangible progress and scientific breakthroughs that are building real pathways that will help end the HIV epidemic. We know, however, that more must be done to educate and engage those who are at risk for, or living with, HIV—particularly in communities of color, which have borne a disproportionate share of the burden of HIV. We look forward to continuing our partnership with HIV.gov to do just that.”—Paul Kawata, Executive Director, NMAC
• “Changing its name from AIDS.gov to HIV.gov is a reflection of AIDS.gov's commitment to respond to the changing dynamics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and an acknowledgement of the many scientific and treatment advances we've made in recent years. This name change is consistent with the forward thinking we've come to expect and depend on from this site.”—Phill Wilson, President and CEO, Black AIDS Institute
• “AIDS is a chronic health condition, and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS continues to exist. We must do more to eliminate stigma and discrimination as a major barrier for HIV testing and access to care. HIV infections are still a challenge in many communities, especially among young men who have sex with men. The Latino Commission on AIDS welcomes renaming AIDS.gov to HIV.gov to focus on preventing the spread of HIV and reaching people at risk for, and living with, HIV with love and compassion.”—Guillermo Chacón, President, Latino Commission on AIDS, and Founder of the Hispanic Health Network

And we also heard from our federal partners:

• “Much progress has been made in HIV/AIDS research since the disease was first recognized in 1981. Today, lifesaving antiretroviral therapies allow those living with HIV to enjoy longer, healthier lives—an outcome that once seemed unattainable,” said Anthony S. Fauci, M.D., Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “The website AIDS.gov has been a valuable resource for those seeking information about HIV/AIDS, and its name change to HIV.gov appropriately reflects our evolution in transforming the pandemic, even as work remains to bring about an end to HIV.”
• “The shift to HIV.gov is important because the face of the epidemic is changing,” said Laura Cheever, M.D., Sc.M., Associate Administrator of HRSA’s HIV/AIDS Bureau. “What was once a deadly disease is now a manageable, chronic condition, if there is access to testing, high-quality HIV primary medical care, medication, and essential support services, such as those provided by the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. The website AIDS.gov has played a critical role in connecting the community of stakeholders providing services to people living with HIV. HIV.gov will continue to be a valuable hub for data, content and resources for those serving this vulnerable population.”
• “The shift to HIV.gov is proactive and inclusive, and it sends a strong, supportive message to the 1.1 million people across America who are living with HIV,” said Jonathan Mermin, M.D., M.P.H., Director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. “The number of annual HIV infections in the U.S. fell 18 percent between 2008 and 2014, but progress has not been the same for all communities. HIV.gov will deliver current science, accurate information, and links to effective resources for the people who need them most.”

We also welcome your feedback. Please share your suggestions by email (contact@hiv.gov) or through one of our social media channels.

For more on our name change, read the HHS news release, and visit HIV.gov.