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Dear President Biden,

I am writing in support of a federal response to address the cure, treatment, and prevention of Herpes Simplex Virus in the United States. Herpes is widely recognized as a driver of the HIV/AIDS epidemic – more than any other infection. Research indicates that 30% of new HIV cases may be linked to HSV. Recent work has suggested herpes may also be a major player in Alzheimer’s disease. It is a plausible theory as the herpes virus resides in the brain and evidence indicates a causative relationship to Alzheimer’s Disease, a leading cause of death and disability in America. More than 2000 babies every year are born with herpes. More than half may die. Therefore, I request that the federal agenda for herpes include:

• A White House task force charged with addressing the public health crisis of herpes
• A widespread campaign to alert health care providers as to the serious nature of herpes and its relationship with HIV, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and newborn disease
• A renewed, robust effort at surveillance for genital and neonatal herpes
• Dedicated investment in clinical research for curative approaches via NIAID/DMID
• Dedicated investment in the development of a blood test to diagnose infection

One thing the COVID-19 pandemic has done is brought the injustice and inequality of health care and resources for infectious diseases to light in a way not previously understood. We are at a crossroads now with great levels of advocacy and the ability to make real change with new technologies to tackle these silent epidemics. I look forward to your prompt response.

Very Respectfully,

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