Michael Aksten

10/20/2026

More treatment options matter.

The FDA has approved IDVYNSO, a complete, once daily, two drug HIV treatment combining Doravirine and Islatravir in a single tablet.

What makes this approval especially noteworthy?

• No Tenofovir
• No Integrase Inhibitor
• One tablet taken once daily
• A complete two drug regimen

IDVYNSO is approved as a switch option for certain adults who are already virally suppressed on a stable treatment regimen, have no history of virologic treatment failure, and have no known resistance substitutions associated with Doravirine.

This is significant because HIV treatment is not one size fits all. As people living with HIV live longer and manage other health conditions, having additional treatment options can support more individualized conversations about long term care, tolerability, medication interactions, and overall health.

IDVYNSO will not be appropriate for everyone. Resistance history, Hepatitis B status, other medications, and potential drug interactions must be carefully reviewed with an HIV care provider. This information is being shared for educational purposes and is not a recommendation to change treatment.

Progress in HIV care is not only about developing new medications. It is also about expanding informed choices for people living with HIV.

https://www.merck.com/news/fda-approves-mercks-once-daily-idvynso-doravirine-islatravir/

IDVYNSO is approved for adults with virologically suppressed HIV-1 with no history of virologic treatment failure and no known substitutions associated with resistance to doravirine IDVYNSO is the first and only non-INSTI, tenofovir-free, once-daily, complete two-drug regimen to demonstrate non-infe...

10/20/2026

Today, tools like PrEP exist to help prevent HIV; however, not everyone has access to them, is able to use them, or even knows they exist.

For this reason, research continues to find more prevention options, including vaccines.

Learn more and discover how you can participate in studies at HelpEndHIV.org

10/19/2026

I’m pleased to share that on November 18, I will attend the 2026 March of Dimes Report Card Virtual Briefing.

Following the Report Card’s release on November 17, the briefing will explore its findings and how state health officials and state and federal policymakers use the data to inform maternal and child health policy.

Moderated by Dr. Michael Warren, March of Dimes’ Chief Medical and Health Officer, and Stacey Brayboy, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Government Affairs, the program will connect research findings with perspectives from public health leadership and Congress.

My work across community health governance, advocacy, and public health planning reinforces the importance of understanding how evidence becomes policy—and whether those policies respond to people’s needs.

I look forward to listening, learning, and bringing those insights into my continuing work to advance healthcare access, accountability, and equitable outcomes.

10/19/2026

I’m saddened to share that I will not be completing my planned 18-month commitment with the Center for Quality Improvement and Innovation’s Care Collaborative. As a result, I will also not be making the anticipated trip to the HRSA office this week.

I understand the decision, and I’m still disappointed. With the trip so close, this change is especially painful. The work mattered to me, as did the opportunity to contribute a community and perspective to improving HIV care.

I remain grateful for what I learned, the relationships built, and the opportunity to contribute alongside others committed to better care.

For now, I’m allowing myself to feel the disappointment while carrying those lessons into the work ahead.

10/19/2026

People living with HIV deserve a meaningful say in the funding decisions that shape our lives.

A recent report from POSITIVELY AWARE raises concerns from HIV advocates that changes in federal funding and private grantmaking are leaving affected communities with less influence over decisions that determine which services receive support.

Read the article: “No decisions about us without us.”

I believe meaningful participation means being involved before priorities are set, while decisions are made, and when results are evaluated.

People who depend on HIV services bring essential knowledge: where access breaks down, what support is missing, and how funding decisions affect everyday life.

That knowledge deserves a place alongside clinical expertise and financial oversight.

I want to see funders and public agencies commit to:

• Including people living with HIV in decisions about funding priorities.
• Explaining changes clearly and providing opportunities for community input.
• Paying community members for their time and expertise.
• Showing how that input influenced the final decisions.

Protecting progress requires sustained funding, transparent leadership, and shared responsibility. It also requires listening to the people who live with the consequences.

Our voices belong wherever decisions about our care are made. ❤️

10/18/2026

The HIV Medication Chart is available for download! Developed by the Mountain West AETC, this 2-page guide features HIV ARVs, including single-tablet regimens, injectables amp; boosters, plus medication images to support ART discussions. Download now:

https://aidsetc.org/resource/hiv-medication-chart-download

10/17/2026

Registration is officially open for AIDSWatch 2027! Join hundreds of advocates from across the country March 15-17, 2027, in Washington, D.C., for three days of connection, learning, and advocacy.

Hosted at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View, AIDSWatch will bring together attendees from across the country to hear from community leaders, policy experts, and fellow advocates. Together, we will share experiences, strengthen our advocacy skills, and build collective power to advance policies that support our communities.

Following what is set to be a historic midterm election, this is a critical opportunity to educate newly elected and returning lawmakers about the HIV epidemic, share the needs of our communities, and make our voices heard as we work toward a healthier, more equitable future.

Register today and save at the early-bird price of $100.

A discounted room rate is also available at our host hotel. We expect rooms to sell out so make sure you book your stay as soon as possible! Visit the AIDSWatch website for information on booking your stay.

Additional opportunities to get involved are coming soon! Stay tuned for information about submitting an abstract proposal to lead a workshop at AIDSWatch 2027 and applying for a scholarship to attend the conference. Follow on social media to stay up to date on the latest announcements.

We look forward to bringing our community together once again to advocate for the policies and resources needed to end the HIV epidemic.

Register Here: https://www.aidsunited.org/our-work/aidswatch-registration?emci=a6b91ce3-9ec9-f111-bf5b-000d3a4fbe83&emdi=d3937011-a3c9-f111-bf5b-000d3a4fbe83&ceid=26948695

10/17/2026

I recently realized that I’ve earned 1,200 continuing education credits and my résumé hasn’t even caught up.

The credentials after my name are HIVPNC, LSSGB. I didn’t need 1,200 CE credits to maintain them. I kept learning because I wanted to understand more, contribute more, and bring that knowledge into my work in HIV prevention and care, public health, community advocacy, and nonprofit governance.

Seeing the total gave me a moment to pause and appreciate the time and effort I’ve invested in myself.

Not bad for someone like me. And yes, I’m letting myself be proud of that.

10/15/2026

Today, we honor the strength and diversity of Latinx communities and recommit to making HIV care accessible, affirming, and free from stigma.

HIV affects people in every community. Everyone deserves the information and support to make decisions about their health, including access to HIV testing, prevention options like PrEP, and treatment.

Let’s keep showing up for one another, sharing accurate information, and making space for every story. ❤️

10/14/2026

🏠 Your home. Your privacy. Your next step: knowing your HIV status. ❤️

📣 CDC recommends that everyone ages 13 to 64 get tested for HIV at least once. Some people may need testing more often.

At home testing can make it easier to take that first step. It’s easy as 1, 2, 3! ✨

1️⃣ Read the kit instructions. 📖
2️⃣ Collect your sample as directed. 🧪
3️⃣ Check your result at the time listed. ⏱️

Every test kit is different, so follow its instructions. A reactive result needs follow up testing. If a possible exposure was recent, a negative result may be too early.

Check the test’s window period and talk with a health care provider about when to test again.

Testing is an act of self care. 💙 No judgment. No shame. Just information and a chance to take your next step.