For decades, activists, advocates, and communities have fought to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, demanding funding, healthcare, and action. Yet here we are in 2025—still grappling with systemic challenges. While progress has been made, there’s an unsettling gap between promises and reality. Political inertia, homelessness, and rising STI rates remind us how much work remains.
Every administration pledges action—most recently, the President reiterated a commitment to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic during the State of the Union address. Yet, where is the tangible progress? National campaigns like “Ending the HIV Epidemic by 2030” have generated headlines, but meaningful change feels slow and uneven. What’s happening on the ground to back these promises?
Locally, the challenges are stark. Over the years, Sacramento has experienced mysterious condom shortages, and non-profits have scrambled to meet the demand. CCAF continues to step in to distribute tens of thousands of condoms to colleges and non-profits that have exhausted their supplies. These are basic, inexpensive tools—7 cents each—that can prevent the spread of HIV and other STIs.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in California, like Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases are increasing, with gonorrhea alone up nearly 50% among women. Particularly alarming is the spike in congenital syphilis, a completely preventable condition that can have fatal consequences for infants. Between 2015 and 2023, the number of babies born with congenital syphilis surged, underscoring the urgent need for better testing, education, and access to care.
Homelessness exacerbates the crisis. People without stable housing are at higher risk of unprotected sex, exploitation, and exposure to HIV and STIs. Women, in particular, face compounded vulnerabilities, sometimes resorting to transactional sex for safety or shelter. This intersection of homelessness, health disparities, and stigma creates a perfect storm.
As Dr. Karen Smith of the California Department of Public Health noted years ago, “A whole confluence of social issues” drives these risks. Yet, solutions remain elusive. Testing, treatment, and prevention must be accessible, affordable, and stigma-free. Condoms, testing kits, and safe spaces should never be out of reach.
Young people are also disproportionately affected. Those aged 20–29 account for many syphilis cases, while teenagers lead in chlamydia diagnoses. Education about sexual health is vital, but many teens lack the information or resources they need. The stigma around getting tested only compounds the problem.
The consequences of inaction are profound. Left untreated, some STIs can lead to infertility, complications during pregnancy, and even cancer. For those who contract HIV, the emotional and physical toll is significant, even with advancements in treatment. And for society, the financial and social costs of preventable health crises are staggering.
It’s 2025, and we know what works. Comprehensive education, widespread testing, accessible treatment, and prevention tools like condoms save lives. So why is progress so slow? Why are we still struggling with stigma and systemic neglect?
CCAF's, Project Positive continues doing what we can—providing condoms, raising awareness, and supporting those in need. But systemic change requires leadership at all levels. Government officials must turn words into action. Community leaders must keep pushing for equity and access. And all of us must hold them accountable.
This fight is far from over, and the stakes are too high to wait any longer.
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