MMR, Elf Bar & HIV/AIDS: Health Concerns
Uncover the far-reaching effects of the Trump administration’s health policies, with a focus on vital areas like HIV/AIDS and MMR vaccination rates. Discover how funding shifts influence global health initiatives, exemplified by Thailand’s independent HIV/AIDS management. Explore the concerning rise in anti-LGBTQ+ incidents impacting healthcare providers and patients, coupled with the setbacks faced by eating disorder research due to grant terminations. News Directory 3 investigates the decline in MMR vaccine coverage across U.S. counties, impacting public health.Also, learn what the discovery of artificial sweeteners in vapes means for teen health. Discover what’s next for these critical health concerns.
Trump-Era Health Policies Impact HIV/AIDS Response, Vaccine Rates, Eating Disorder Research
Updated june 03, 2025
The Trump administration’s health policies continue to reverberate across various sectors, impacting global health initiatives, LGBTQ+ healthcare, and domestic research efforts. From HIV/AIDS funding to vaccination rates and eating disorder research,the effects are being felt nationwide.
Thailand stands out as a success story in independently managing its HIV/AIDS response. Even before significant cuts to programs like PEPFAR, Thailand funded 91% of its initiatives. Jaime Azcona of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS called thailand the “best example” of a developing country taking ownership of its HIV/AIDS response, offering a model for sustainable healthcare in low- and middle-income nations.
Simultaneously occurring,anti-LGBTQ+ incidents are a growing concern. While overall incidents of harassment, vandalism, or assault decreased by 20% between May 2024 and May 2025, incidents targeting LGBTQ+ health care surged. GLAAD reported a 62% increase in incidents affecting providers and patients, and a 295% increase compared to May 2022-2023. These incidents include actions by groups like the American Parents Coalition,which parked billboard trucks outside children’s hospitals with false claims about gender-affirming care.
Research into eating disorders is also facing challenges. Despite the Make America Healthy Again Commission’s focus on chronic diseases, eating disorders receive scant attention, and experts warn that federal grant terminations disproportionately affect scientific research in this area. Cheri Levinson, director of the EAT lab at the University of Louisville, expressed concern that the status quo, where only some patients recover, will continue.
MMR vaccination rates have declined, too. A recent study in JAMA revealed that 78% of counties across the U.S. have experienced drops in measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination rates over the past five years. County-level vaccination rates fell from 93.92% to 91.26% on average, far from the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. This decline comes amid the largest measles outbreak in decades, with states like Texas considering making vaccine exemptions easier.
The popularity of vaping among teens is also under scrutiny. A study found the artificial sweetener neotame in several popular disposable vape brands, including Elf Bar and Mr. Fog.These vapes, though technically illegal, are widely available and appeal to younger users.
Robert Goldstein, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, highlighted the widespread impact of federal health policy shifts. he noted that while some state officials downplay the effects of funding cuts, the challenges are global. “The needs that this department has are the same as the Texas department’s or the North Dakota department’s,” Goldstein said.
What’s next
as the effects of these policies continue to unfold, public health officials and advocacy groups are working to address the challenges and ensure access to care and resources for affected communities. the future of HIV/AIDS prevention, LGBTQ+ healthcare, eating disorder treatment, and vaccination efforts hinges on these ongoing efforts.