HHS RIFs and Cuts 

Earlier this week, the administration implemented a Reduction In Force (RIF) laying off an estimated 10,000 HHS employees. Some of the cuts eliminated entire offices and some targeted cuts removed existing leaders from their roles. Cuts targeting STI prevention include:  

• Within DSTDP, elimination of the Disease Intervention and Response Branch (DIRB) and the STD Laboratory Reference and Research Branch (SLRRB).  

• Removal, by way of reassignment offers, of Dr. Jono Mermin from his role as Director of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention; and Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, longtime STI researcher, from her role as Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) 

• Elimination of the Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy 

• An estimated 50% cut in staffing at the Division of HIV Prevention 

The changes listed above are only a sampling of the broad-scope changes impacting STI prevention, and do not reflect the full extent of the loss, which impacts many staff across divisions.  

RFK Jr. Invited to Hearing on HHS Cuts  

Secretary Kennedy has been invited by the Senate health committee to answer questions and address concerns about the HHS RIFs during a hearing next week. It is unknown whether Secretary Kennedy will appear.