Working toward a world free of herpes
Herpes Cure Advocacy is a grassroots, volunteer-driven nonprofit. Our mission is to support the cure, treatment and prevention of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) infections through research, education, policy and grassroots advocacy.
Common, serious and long overlooked
Herpes is one of the most common infections in the world, yet its burden is often underestimated because many infections cause mild symptoms or none at all. There is no cure, and today’s treatments only manage symptoms.
Beyond painful outbreaks, herpes can lead to neonatal herpes, encephalitis and a higher risk of acquiring HIV. Research has also found possible links between HSV and long-term neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The emotional toll is real too. Stigma, shame and isolation can deeply affect mental health. HCA works on both the medical and the social sides of herpes.
We want everyone affected by herpes to have a voice, a community and a path forward.
Read the recap
Four ways we move toward a cure
Our work spans research, diagnostics, policy and education.
Speed up the path to a cure
We help promising therapies move from the lab into clinical trials, and we track every one of them.
What we do- Publish the Herpes Cure Pipeline every year
- Follow preclinical research and clinical trials
- Push for funding for vaccines, therapeutics and cures
Push for better testing
Current herpes tests are limited and often inaccurate, which makes it hard for people to know their status.
What we do- Advocate for reliable, accessible diagnostic tests
- Call for HSV in STI screening panels
- Share the research on how current tests perform
Put herpes on the agenda
We work with lawmakers, public health officials and agencies to shape funding and national strategy.
What we do- Make neonatal herpes a reportable condition
- Grow federal research funding for HSV
- Support coordinated national strategies
Share accurate information
We run free educational programs for patients and professionals, led by researchers and clinicians.
What we do- Host free talks with HSV experts
- Partnered with HVTN on scientific talks in 2024 and 2025
- Publish HSV 101, FAQs and a resource library
Putting herpes on the public health agenda
Highlights from HCA’s advocacy so far.
- 2021
Funding for a national strategy
$250,000 for a National Strategy and Strategic Plan for the Cure, Treatment and Prevention of Herpes, included in the U.S. Congressional budget.
- 2022
Joint CDC/NIH workshop
The world’s leading experts and community advocates met at NIH/NIAID headquarters for a genital herpes workshop.
Workshop summary - 2023
Better blood tests
The CDC issued requests for applications for improved HSV serology testing.
- 2023
NIH working group
The NIH convened a multi-council working group on herpes, a new level of coordination.
- Sept 2023
NIH Strategic Plan for HSV Research
The NIH released its 2023–2028 strategic plan for HSV research, led by NIAID.
Read the plan - Nov 2024
HSV addendum to the national STI plan
HHS published an HSV addendum to the STI National Strategic Plan.
Read the addendum
Help us reach a cure
Every gift, every voice and every hour of volunteer time moves us closer to a world where herpes is effectively treated and free from stigma.
Learn more: Why give · Ways to give · How gifts are used · Corporate sponsorship
Questions? info@herpescureadvocacy.com or 302-307-3560.
Herpes Cure Advocacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 87-4325698).