Four decades is long enough
The first herpes treatment was approved in 1982. Since then there has been little real innovation in herpes treatment or testing, and stigma has kept most patients silent. It’s time for change.
A global virus with a neglected response
Herpes is medically not benign, and it deserves a real public health response. Yet patients are often told the virus is harmless, and few have felt safe speaking out.
people under 50 worldwide have HSV-1
people ages 15–49 worldwide have HSV-2
higher risk of acquiring HIV for people with HSV-2
the year the first herpes treatment was approved. There is still no cure.
Researchers are also studying possible links between HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease.Sources: WHO herpes simplex virus fact sheet (2020 estimates).
The only global patient voice for a herpes cure
Herpes Cure Advocacy is the only global patient advocacy organization whose mission is to cure, treat and prevent herpes infection. Without dedicated patient advocacy, promising research stays underfunded, stigma persists and millions suffer in silence.
Give yourself a voice
Join the fight for better treatments instead of waiting on the sidelines.
Join a community
Stand with advocates who are demanding change in research, treatment and policy.
Validate the experience
Yours, and that of millions who have been dismissed by medicine and public health.
Advance a cure
Fund education and advocacy that push the medical community toward a cure.
How we put your gift to work
Herpes research remains critically underfunded. HCA uses every donation to push for the attention, funding and care this epidemic deserves.
Every gift helps us
- Press pharmaceutical companies to prioritize herpes research
- Advocate for more government research funding
- Educate healthcare providers about better testing and treatment
- Challenge medical institutions to take herpes seriously
- Build a global community of advocates demanding change
Progress so far
- September 2023
A federal research plan for HSV
The NIH published its Strategic Plan for Herpes Simplex Virus Research after HCA’s policy push.
- November 2024
Herpes in the national strategy
After HCA’s grassroots advocacy, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health published an addendum to the 2020 National Strategic Plan that includes a public health response to herpes infections.
- 2026
Herpes Cure Pipeline 5.0
Our fifth annual report on the therapies and vaccines in development.
Explore Pipeline 5.0
What happens if we don’t act now
- Billions keep living with treatments that haven’t meaningfully changed
- HSV-2 keeps raising the risk of new HIV infections
- Possible links to Alzheimer’s disease stay under-studied
- Medical innovation stalls for another generation
- Stigma and misinformation go unchallenged
What our donors say
“For too long, I felt alone with my diagnosis. Supporting HCA means I’m part of something bigger – a movement that’s actually working toward solutions instead of just managing symptoms.”
“As a healthcare provider, I see firsthand how inadequate our current testing and treatment options are. HCA is the only organization pushing for the research and policy changes we desperately need.”
“Every month when I make my recurring donation, I know I’m investing in a future where my children won’t have to face the same stigma and limited treatment options I did.”
“I give because HCA isn’t just raising awareness – they’re fighting for actual medical progress. After 40 years of the same limited treatments, we need an organization that demands better.”
Questions about giving?
We’re happy to help you find the best way to support HCA’s mission.
This isn’t charity. It’s activism.
Every gift says herpes patients deserve better than four decades of medical neglect. Whether $10 or $10,000, your donation moves us closer to a world where herpes is effectively treated and free from stigma.
Herpes Cure Advocacy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 87-4325698). All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.