APA submitted a response to a request for information (RFI) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding the development of the FY 2026–2030 NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Researchopens in new window. The response highlighted the importance of psychological science and social determinants of health in HIV treatment, prevention, and education efforts.
NIH outlined four goals as part of their strategic plan: enhance discovery and advance HIV science through fundamental research; advance the development and assessment of novel interventions for HIV prevention, treatment, and cure; optimize public health impact of HIV discoveries through translation, dissemination, and implementation of research findings; and build research workforce and infrastructure capacity to enhance sustainability of HIV scientific discovery. NIH invited respondents to identify key priorities in each goal area that may have the greatest impact on progress in HIV science.
APA’s response highlighted the importance of understanding the influence of psychological and social factors on prevention and intervention strategies, including how mental and behavioral health can impact disease progression via stress, depression, anxiety, and treatment uptake. The association stated that “novel interventions should include a thorough examination of the role of psychological resilience in HIV treatment outcomes, and the incorporation of protective psychosocial measures into treatment plans.”
The response also explored the impact of stigma and discrimination on HIV treatment and prevention, and encouraged robust stigma reduction education efforts as a vital tool for improving the lives of individuals living with HIV. “Public education efforts tailored to varying cultural contexts can be powerful tools in disseminating information, reducing HIV transmission, and improving treatment adherence,” APA noted.
Finally, the association emphasized the necessity for targeted interventions for underserved communities that carry different risk profiles and noted that diversity and inclusion efforts in the HIV research and education workforce would promote the unique needs of marginalized communities, as well as improve the relevance and applicability of research findings.
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