So I asked Perplexity AI: Has there been cut backs in funding for vaccination programs?
AnswerYes, there have been cutbacks in funding for vaccination programs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reducing funding to states for child vaccination programs, which is a significant change to the budget for routine childhood vaccine administration. Additionally, the CDC is facing major funding cuts, including cuts to the immunization program, which has a direct impact on state and local health departments. Furthermore, CDC funding for public health preparedness and response programs has decreased between FY 2019 and FY 2020, including cuts to emergency preparedness programs. The lack of additional federal funding has also led to implications for access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines, potentially affecting the availability of booster doses and variant-specific vaccines.
Why did I ask that? I just read this Yahoo News article,
By Korin MillerFebruary 2, 2024A series of diseases that have been declining for years, and in some cases are considered eradicated in the U.S., are showing up again. Measles and tuberculosis have made headlines in recent weeks after being detected in the States, and reports of polio surfaced just two years ago.Measles has gotten the most attention after emerging on both coasts in a matter of weeks. Nine people in the Philadelphia area tested positive for measles after an outbreak started at a day care in late December. Days later, public health officials in Virginia warned about possible measles exposure after a person with the disease traveled through Dulles International Airport on Jan. 3, and Ronald Reagan National Airport on Jan. 4. On Jan. 10, health officials in Washington state urged health care providers to be on the lookout for measles symptoms after six people contracted the illness at a family gathering.[…]Meanwhile, cases of tuberculosis have shown up in schools in Pennsylvania and Las Vegas over the last week. Polio, a virus that can cause paralysis in its most severe form and was once one of the most feared diseases in the country, was even detected in New York's Rockland County in 2022.
But not only these diseases are on the rise but also STIs. I read this article,
CNNBy Deidre McPhillipsJanuary 30, 2024More than 2.5 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis were reported in the United States in 2022 as the country’s epidemic of sexually transmitted infections continues to grow.Chlamydia accounted for about two-thirds of the STIs that were reported in 2022, according to an annual report published Tuesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But while chlamydia cases held steady and reported cases of gonorrhea decreased in 2022, syphilis cases continued to climb to the highest level in decades, with a 17% percent jump in one year.“Within the STI epidemic, syphilis is one infection that stands alone,” Dr. Laura Bachmann, acting director of the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, said in a statement. “It has emerged as a unique public health challenge.”
So once again I ask Perplexity AI: Has the funding for sti prevention decreased?
AnswerYes, the funding for STI (sexually transmitted infection) prevention has faced challenges. Despite increasing rates of STIs, federal funding for STI prevention and control has been relatively flat, with evidence of decreasing public health funding over the past decade. For instance, the CDC's STI programs have seen stagnant federal funding, and state funding as a share of total funding has decreased, reflecting a decline in funding at the state level . The impact of funding cuts has led to consequences such as decreasing numbers of staff and clinicians in STI clinics. Additionally, the CDC has confirmed that the last two years of funding for STI prevention is no longer available to CDC for jurisdiction awards, which has raised concerns about the impact on the national STI infrastructure and programmatic response. These findings indicate a challenging funding landscape for STI prevention efforts.
Bard replied to the question in part…
Federal funding: Yes, in real terms (adjusted for inflation), federal funding for STIs has decreased by about 40% since 2003, despite rising STI rates. The main source of federal funding, Section 318 of the PHSA, has remained stagnant at around $157 million for many years.
At a time of increase in communicable diseases you would think that there would be an increase in funding, but also an increase in sex education but the Republicans want to do away with sex education! Just when we need it most!
A recent outbreak in Philadelphia has infected eight people so far.ABC NewsByMary Kekatos and Youri BenadjaoudJanuary 18, 2024Despite having a very effective and easily available vaccine, measles outbreaks have continued to pop up in the United States over the last two decades.Most recently, there have been eight cases confirmed in Philadelphia since December 2023, all among unvaccinated individuals. Additionally, a person with measles traveled through D.C.-area airports and cases have been identified in Delaware, New Jersey and Washington state, according to local reports.[…]Measles was declared eliminated in 2000 -- meaning the disease "is no longer constantly present in this country." However, the dip in routine childhood vaccinations in recent years as well as travelers bringing measles into the country has resulted in outbreaks.
It is the MAGA anti-vaxxers that is one of the causes of the rise in communicable diseases, another cause is the closing of women’s clinics like Planned Parenthood and the ending sex education in schools. Another factor is the Republicans going after anything related to LGBTQ+ and they see STIs and STDs as being a “Gay” problem and sinners being promiscuous. Christians in good standing don’t have to worry about STIs, STDs, and HIV/AIDS.
Could it be the surge of new people coming thru the boarder.
ReplyDeleteThe facts do not support that theory.
Delete