New CDC Guidance Backs DoxyPEP Amid STI Surge, Political Controversy
The United States is grappling with a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with alarming increases in syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), syphilis rates have risen by 80% since 2018, gonorrhea cases have increased by 11%, and chlamydia remains high despite a slight decrease. This underscores the urgent need for innovative prevention strategies. One such strategy, Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP), has emerged as a powerful tool in the fight against STIs, but it has also become a target of politically-motivated attacks fueled by misinformation and bigotry. DoxyPEP involves taking a dose of the antibiotic doxycycline after condomless sex to prevent bacterial STIs. While studies have repeatedly demonstrated its safety and efficacy, certain politicians, most notably Florida Senator Marco Rubio, have launched a crusade against DoxyPEP, jeopardizing the health and well-being of countless people.
While Senator Rubio and others leverage misinformation to fuel a politically-motivated crusade against the CDC’s new DoxyPEP guidelines, the evidence is clear: DoxyPEP is a safe, effective, and urgently needed tool to combat the nation's skyrocketing STI rates, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community already facing systemic healthcare disparities.
DoxyPEP: Backed by Science, Embraced by Communities
Fortunately, the effectiveness of DoxyPEP isn't based on conjecture or political ideology; it's firmly rooted in scientific evidence. Numerous studies have demonstrated its remarkable ability to reduce STI rates among those most vulnerable. In the groundbreaking DoxyPEP trial, researchers observed a sustained decrease in STI incidence among participants taking DoxyPEP, even with a short-term increase in sexual partners and condomless sex acts, as reported in Infectious Disease Special Edition. Further bolstering these findings, a separate study from the University of California, San Francisco, revealed that DoxyPEP reduced the risk of chlamydia and gonorrhea by nearly 70% among participants. These findings, along with a growing body of research, make it clear that DoxyPEP is a powerful tool with the potential to significantly impact the STI epidemic.
Real-World Success
The positive impact of DoxyPEP extends beyond clinical trials and into real-world settings. In San Francisco, where public health officials have proactively implemented DoxyPEP, the results have been significant. A study by the San Francisco Department of Public Health found that among participants, overall STI incidence fell by 58% after starting DoxyPEP. Chlamydia cases dropped by 67%, and early syphilis cases decreased by 78%. These real-world outcomes highlight the potential of DoxyPEP to effectively curb STI transmission when embraced by the community.
Addressing Resistance Concerns
One of the most frequently raised concerns about DoxyPEP is its potential to contribute to antibiotic resistance. While this is a valid concern that warrants careful consideration, the evidence suggests that the benefits of DoxyPEP outweigh the risks when implemented responsibly. As the CDC states in its report, "The potential for DoxyPEP to increase antimicrobial resistance is a theoretical concern, but current data do not suggest that DoxyPEP use has resulted in substantial increases in resistance." This finding is further bolstered by a study from the University of California, San Francisco, which found no significant increase in antibiotic resistance genes among DoxyPEP users. Additionally, the CDC emphasizes that the short course of doxycycline used in DoxyPEP, coupled with ongoing monitoring for resistance trends, can help mitigate this risk. These findings should reassure policymakers and the public that DoxyPEP, when implemented responsibly as part of a comprehensive STI prevention strategy, is unlikely to exacerbate the already concerning issue of antibiotic resistance.
Community Acceptance
Not only is DoxyPEP backed by robust scientific evidence, but it has also been met with enthusiasm and acceptance from the very communities it aims to protect. When offered DoxyPEP as a prevention option, people at risk for STIs have demonstrated a strong desire to incorporate this tool into their sexual health practices. In San Francisco, for example, Dr. Hyman Scott reported that "about 39% of people ultimately decided that they wanted DoxyPEP as an STI prevention tool." This positive reception speaks volumes about the willingness of people to take charge of their sexual health and embrace new strategies for protecting themselves and their partners.
Political Roadblocks: Rubio's Disinformation Campaign
Despite the overwhelming scientific evidence and the positive response from those most impacted by STIs, DoxyPEP faces a formidable roadblock: a politically-motivated disinformation campaign spearheaded by figures like Senator Rubio. Driven by what appears to be a combination of ideological opposition and a disregard for evidence-based policymaking, Rubio has repeatedly attempted to discredit DoxyPEP and undermine its adoption.
In a press release riddled with inflammatory language, Senator Rubio proclaimed, “The CDC’s unscientific recommendation is dangerous and could lead to more antibiotic-resistant infections and deaths." This statement, however, directly contradicts the findings of the CDC itself, which clearly show that current data do not suggest that DoxyPEP use has resulted in substantial increases in resistance. Furthermore, Rubio's assertion that the CDC's recommendation is "unscientific" ignores the rigorous research and clinical trials that have consistently demonstrated DoxyPEP's safety and efficacy.
By cherry-picking statistics about antibiotic resistance without acknowledging the nuances of DoxyPEP's implementation and the evidence mitigating those risks, Rubio engages in a dangerous game of misinformation. His tactics, unfortunately, have the potential to dissuade patients from accessing a potentially life-saving prevention tool and hinder efforts to curb the STI epidemic.
Unmasking the Agenda
A closer look at Senator Rubio's record reveals a disturbing pattern of opposition to policies that benefit the LGBTQ+ community, raising serious questions about the motivations behind his crusade against DoxyPEP. His voting history, as reflected in his 0 out of 100 score on the Human Rights Campaign's Congressional Scorecard, paints a picture of an anti-LGBTQ+ agenda. From opposing marriage equality to supporting discriminatory bathroom bills, Rubio has consistently aligned himself with those who seek to marginalize and harm the LGBTQ+ community.
As HRC President Kelley Robinson aptly stated, "Throughout his career, Sen. Rubio has repeatedly put his personal beliefs ahead of the needs of his constituents, particularly LGBTQ+ Floridians." His stance on DoxyPEP, a measure that would primarily benefit men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, aligns with this pattern of disregard for the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. By framing a scientifically sound public health intervention as "dangerous" and "unscientific," Rubio perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines efforts to address a health crisis that disproportionately impacts LGBTQ+ people.
The Dangers of Politicized Health
The case of DoxyPEP lays bare a disturbing trend in contemporary politics: the cynical manipulation of public health for political gain. When evidence-based interventions like DoxyPEP are distorted and demonized, the consequences extend far beyond a single policy debate. Allowing political agendas to dictate public health decisions undermines trust in science, erodes support for vital programs, and ultimately puts lives at risk.
This pattern of politically-motivated attacks on healthcare is particularly pronounced when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. Across the country, conservative lawmakers at all levels of government are pushing a discriminatory agenda that seeks to restrict access to essential healthcare services for LGBTQ+ people. From attempts to ban gender-affirming care for transgender youth to efforts to allow healthcare providers to refuse service to LGBTQ+ patients, these attacks represent a clear and present danger to the health and well-being of an already marginalized community.
Senator Rubio's crusade against DoxyPEP must be understood within this broader context. His actions are not about protecting public health; they are about scoring political points by exploiting prejudice and fear. When those in positions of power prioritize ideology over evidence and demonize vulnerable communities, the consequences can be devastating.
The Path Forward: Equity, Access, and Comprehensive Prevention
To effectively address the STI epidemic, we must move beyond the politically-motivated roadblocks erected by those who prioritize ideology over evidence. A truly effective response requires a commitment to equity, access, and comprehensive prevention strategies that center the needs of those most impacted.
It's crucial to acknowledge that STIs do not impact all communities equally. As highlighted in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' National Strategic Plan for addressing STIs, certain populations, including gay and bisexual men, transgender people, and young people, bear a disproportionate burden of these infections. This disparity is driven by a complex interplay of factors, including stigma, discrimination, and barriers to accessing quality healthcare. For example, in 2018, more than 50% of primary and secondary syphilis infections occurred among MSM. These disparities demand a targeted and equitable approach to STI prevention, one that prioritizes the needs of those most vulnerable and addresses the systemic factors that contribute to their increased risk.
The Urgency of Action
The urgency of the STI epidemic demands swift and decisive action. We can no longer afford to let misinformation and political maneuvering hinder the implementation of evidence-based solutions like DoxyPEP. As Dr. Jonathon Cherabie, an Infectious Disease physician, pointedly stated on Twitter, "To state that this move [DoxyPEP implementation] is 'political' when two MAJOR trials have shown how beneficial this intervention is, in the midst of a massive increase in STIs especially syphilis is disingenuous." Dr. Cherabie goes on to highlight the hypocrisy of fixating on unfounded fears of antibiotic resistance with DoxyPEP while ignoring its use for other purposes like acne and malaria prophylaxis. His words serve as a potent reminder that the opposition to DoxyPEP often stems not from legitimate scientific concerns, but from a desire to undermine the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people. Every day that passes without readily available DoxyPEP represents missed opportunities to prevent new infections and protect the health of marginalized communities.
A Multifaceted Approach
It's important to recognize that DoxyPEP, while a powerful tool, is not a standalone solution to the STI epidemic. To truly make a lasting impact, we need a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex nature of this public health crisis.
This comprehensive strategy must prioritize:
Expanded Access to Testing and Treatment: Timely and affordable access to STI testing and treatment is paramount. We must remove financial and logistical barriers that prevent people from seeking care, ensuring that everyone can get tested and treated promptly and effectively.
Comprehensive Sexual Health Education: Accurate, inclusive, and age-appropriate sexual health education is fundamental to empowering people to make informed decisions about their sexual health. We must move away from abstinence-only approaches and embrace education that encompasses a wide range of topics, including consent, contraception, and STI prevention methods.
Addressing Stigma and Discrimination: Stigma surrounding STIs prevents people from seeking testing and treatment, perpetuating the cycle of transmission. We must foster open and honest conversations about sexual health, challenge harmful stereotypes, and create a more supportive and inclusive environment for those affected by STIs, especially at points of care.
Adequate Funding for Public Health Initiatives: Effectively combating the STI epidemic requires robust and sustained funding for public health programs. This includes resources for research, surveillance, prevention programs, and healthcare infrastructure.
Conclusion
The alarming rise of STIs in the United States demands our unwavering attention and a commitment to evidence-based solutions. Inaction is not an option; it carries the weight of preventable infections, long-term health complications, and lives needlessly impacted. DoxyPEP represents “the most exciting intervention for STI prevention in two decades,” a scientifically sound intervention with the potential to significantly curb the STI epidemic, particularly among the LGBTQ+ community. We cannot allow political maneuvering and misinformation campaigns to derail this progress.
As advocates, policymakers, and industry professionals, we have the power to turn the tide against this epidemic:
Integrate DoxyPEP into Policy Agendas: For policymakers, champion legislation and funding initiatives that expand access to DoxyPEP, ensuring its inclusion in Medicaid, ADAPs, and private insurance plans. Advocate for comprehensive sexual health education and robustly funded public health programs.
Harness Your Platform to Disseminate Accurate Information: Leverage your professional networks, social media platforms, and public speaking engagements to counter misinformation surrounding DoxyPEP. Share the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety, and challenge those who prioritize political agendas over public health.
Advocate for FDA Approval: While the CDC has issued guidelines for DoxyPEP, it remains an off-label use of doxycycline. Advocate for the FDA to formally approve this use, which would further solidify its legitimacy, potentially expand insurance coverage, and increase confidence among healthcare providers and patients.
The fight for effective STI prevention is a fight for public health, for equity, and for the well-being of us all. Let's leverage our collective influence to ensure that DoxyPEP becomes a standard tool in our arsenal against this urgent public health crisis.
Aaron Rodgers' Dangerous Game
High-profile figures like New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers promote dangerous conspiracies that the HIV/AIDS epidemic was government-engineered and that zidovudine (AZT), a lifesaving drug, was intended to harm patients. These falsehoods have severe consequences for public health, endangering lives and perpetuating existing stigma. An estimated 1 in 7 Americans living with HIV are unaware of their status, highlighting how celebrity-backed misinformation can deter people from seeking essential care. Despite its initial side effects, AZT was a breakthrough that paved the way for more effective treatments. Claims that it was intentionally harmful are medically inaccurate and undermine decades of HIV care progress.
A History of Distrust
Acknowledging historical failings is crucial, as the early mishandling of the AIDS crisis by the government and health institutions fueled fear and skepticism. This understandable distrust is rooted in the spread of falsehoods during the early days of the epidemic – groups like the "Heubach group" promoted the idea that HIV was a government-created hoax. These claims, though swiftly debunked by science, preyed on existing anxieties. Sadly, figures like Rodgers exploit this justified distrust, twisting it into a weapon. They promote baseless conspiracies, painting themselves as brave truth-tellers while actively eroding progress and endangering lives.
A Modern Threat
Rodgers and other celebrities wield immense influence as public figures, yet they disregard the potential consequences when they amplify harmful misinformation to vast audiences. When celebrities endorse baseless conspiracy theories, it cloaks fringe ideas in an illusion of legitimacy, jeopardizing public trust in proven medicine. Their reckless actions reveal a blatant disregard of their responsibility to prioritize evidence-based information, a choice with deadly consequences when lives hang in the balance.
Aaron Rodgers amplifies dangerous ideas surrounding HIV-related conspiracies. He has endorsed conspiracy theories about both the HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics, urging his audience to read Robert Kennedy Jr.'s book and promoting the debunked idea that AZT was intentionally harmful to patients. On the "Look Into It" podcast, he further distorted the truth by drawing a false parallel between the AIDS crisis and COVID-19: “The blueprint, the game plan, was made in the '80s. Create a pandemic with a virus that’s going wild... create an environment where only one thing works. Back then AZT; now, Remdesivir until we get a vaccine.”
Rodgers continued, expressing a cynical distrust of scientific research and the pharmaceutical industry: “I can do my own research, which was so vilified, to even question authority.” He plays into a popular but flawed narrative: the lone maverick challenging corrupt systems. Rodgers' "do your own research" approach ignores the complexities of scientific knowledge, our susceptibility to cognitive biases, and that without expertise, it's easy to misinterpret information.
Rodgers uses a common tactic seen in the spread of misinformation: he questions the integrity of science while simultaneously claiming to be persecuted for doing so. This creates a trap. He undermines trust in established institutions by preying on anxieties about authority. Then, when his claims are inevitably challenged by experts, he positions himself as a brave truth-teller being silenced by the establishment. This manufactured martyrdom only reinforces the original mistrust, further validating his position in the eyes of some followers. These dangerous falsehoods damage public health by eroding trust in the decades of medical progress that have saved countless lives.
Rodgers is part of a broader trend highlighted in the World Health Organization's 2022 infodemic report. Medical misinformation spreads rapidly across social media, exploiting societal anxieties, and can have deadly consequences. Rodgers’ endorsement of HIV/AIDS denialism is particularly harmful because his assertions tap into the fear, stigma, and systemic distrust prevalent in communities of color historically marginalized by the medical system. This creates fertile ground for misleading narratives, leading to disastrous cyclical consequences.
In case you’re of the mind that words don’t matter, a study published in European Psychologist found a 23% decrease in HIV testing in communities highly exposed to HIV denialism, signifying a direct threat to the lives of people at risk. The benefits of early diagnosis and treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART) are well-documented, and by promoting the idea that the virus is benign or that ART is hazardous, denialists delay essential testing and care, feeding into the stigma that discourages many from seeking the help they need.
These conspiracy theories exploit vulnerabilities in our information landscape, tapping into societal anxieties and magnifying them through social media platforms that prioritize engagement over factual accuracy. This dynamic is especially perilous in health-related discourse, where misinformation can lead to fatal outcomes.
Stigma & Public Health Risk
Aaron Rodgers’ endorsement of HIV/AIDS denialism illustrates the persistent influence of health misinformation. His assertions exploit long-standing fears, stigma, and systemic mistrust, especially prevalent in communities of color historically marginalized by the medical system. These real and profound injustices make communities susceptible to misleading narratives that claim HIV is a fabrication or that lifesaving treatments are harmful, thereby perpetuating a cycle of misinformation and stigma.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stigma deters many from seeking HIV testing and treatment, creating a sense of fear, judgment, and social isolation. This leads countless people to forgo life-saving medical care. This is particularly damaging to young people, as demonstrated by GLAAD's 2023 State of HIV Stigma report. It revealed a concerning generational gap: over 60% of Gen X adults consider themselves well-informed about HIV, yet only 34% of Gen Z adults say the same. A study published in The Guardian in August 2023 highlighted that teenagers are significantly more likely to believe online conspiracy theories than adults, underscoring the vulnerability of Gen Z to extremist rhetoric.
Young people’s vulnerability has serious public health implications, as those aged 13-34 account for 57% of new HIV diagnoses. The dangerous conspiracy theories promoted by Rodgers and Kennedy directly contribute to this crisis by perpetuating stigma. This disproportionately affects marginalized communities and exacerbates homophobia, transphobia, racism, and systemic inequalities.
The impact of this cycle is both profound and destructive:
Misinformation: Campaigns spread dangerous falsehoods about HIV, misleading the public about its origins, and the efficacy of treatments.
Stigma: Misinformation fosters stigma, fueled by fear, a profound distrust in medical advice, and manipulative media tactics. It discourages testing and treatment, promoting silence rather than open discussion about HIV status.
Public Health Crisis: Misinformation and stigma lead to inadequate testing, poor treatment adherence, and a decreased likelihood of status disclosure – crucial steps for stopping HIV transmission.
Stigma kills. To save lives, we must go beyond medical solutions and dismantle the harmful social barriers erected by misinformation. This requires targeted education and awareness campaigns designed specifically for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are most at risk.
Breaking the Cycle
The resurgence of HIV denialism is a wake-up call. Misinformation purveyors prioritize sensationalism over saving lives. People like Rodgers prey on our understandable fears and anxieties during health crises, and their disregard for the consequences of their words is inexcusable. We must hold them accountable for the harm they cause and demand better from those whose voices reach millions. It's equally important to demand better from social platforms that profit from algorithms that prioritize divisive content over truth.
As citizens, we must all become savvier consumers of information, developing critical thinking skills and fostering a healthy skepticism of emotionally charged narratives that lack credible evidence. We have allies in this fight: the CDC, reputable journalists, fact-checkers, publications, and countless dedicated researchers. By seeking out evidence-based information and supporting their efforts, we can counter misinformation and protect public health.
Let's take concrete actions:
Demand accountability: from both the purveyors of misinformation and the platforms that amplify them.
Educate ourselves: Seek out reliable sources, develop critical thinking tools, and support organizations dedicated to media literacy.
Elevate evidence-based information: Amplify the voices of credible scientific institutions and share accurate information within our circles of influence.
These actions will help dismantle the harmful cycle of misinformation and push us closer to a world where science, not fear and lies, guides our approach to ending the HIV epidemic.