1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

An exciting breakthrough in the fight against HIV has emerged: an mRNA-based vaccine trial has shown that 80% of participants developed effective antibodies and immune memory cells targeting HIV. This progress, building on the COVID vaccine platform, offers the potential for lasting protection against a longstanding virus. However, this advancement is threatened by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently cut $500 million in mRNA vaccine research and replaced key experts with critics of the science. Nobel laureate Katalin Karikó warned that this could jeopardize America's scientific leadership. Experts like Dr. Jerome Adams have warned that without support for mRNA innovation, "people are going to die." We must act: restore funding for mRNA research, rehire the dismissed scientists, and ensure leadership that prioritizes scientific truth over conspiracy theories. Our health and future depend on it.