HIV IN THE OBAMA ERA

 President Obama\'s Agenda Announced on Revamped White House Site
President Obama\'s agenda is now available on the official White House Web site. For the first time in eight years, the presidential agenda includes a list of plans concerning HIV. Under the heading of "civil rights," there\'s mention of domestic HIV issues and the intention to lift the federal ban on needle exchange. There\'s also a long list of ways Obama plans to support the rights of gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people. (Article from TheBody.com)

 Some HIV Activists Disappointed by Obama\'s Pre-Inauguration AIDS Conference Call
Although the U.S. HIV community is still brimming with hope as Barack Obama begins his tenure as U.S. president, a recent conference call left a bad taste in some activists\' mouths, according to the HIV organization Housing Works. Housing Works national organizer Larry Bryant said that "there weren\'t a lot of new or innovative ideas discussed" during the call, which focused on HIV in the U.S. and was hosted by President Obama\'s transition team prior to the inauguration. However, HIV activist George Kerr was optimistic: "It\'s a great start," he said of the call. "At least the administration is open to the idea. We\'ve been shut out for the last eight years." (Article from Housing Works)

 Head of U.S. CDC Is Out; What Lies Ahead for HIV Prevention?
Change is coming to HIV-fighting efforts in the U.S. Julie Gerberding, the longtime head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lost her job on Inauguration Day. Some HIV advocates are happy to see her go. Check out this Housing Works summary for a rundown of Dr. Gerberding\'s "lowlights" as well as advocates\' hopes for the future of the CDC, which sets the tone for HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention efforts throughout the United States. (Article from Housing Works)