Francisco Ruiz, DrPH ’25, is drawing on his lived experiences in his work on national HIV/AIDS policy.
September 12, 2024 – Prior to being appointed director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy in April, Francisco Ruiz spent a decade leading the National Partnerships Team within the Division of HIV Prevention at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He spoke with Harvard Chan Magazine about his plans for accelerating HIV response and prioritizing equity in his new role, and how his identities as a Latino son of immigrants and a person living with HIV inform his work.
I bring all of me into every aspect of my life, and this position in the White House is no exception. I plan to use my personal insights and professional experience to enhance our national efforts in responding to the HIV epidemic.
My own journey of self-love and claiming—and reclaiming—space has not always been easy. Growing up, I struggled with the dual identity of being born in this country while embracing my Mexican heritage. I usually felt caught in the middle, not “Latino enough” for some and not “American enough” for others. Society often tells us to choose one identity over another, but I believe in embracing both fully.
Being diagnosed with HIV six years ago was a significant challenge, particularly as someone working in this field. It struck a blow to my mental health, and I felt as though I had let down many, including myself. However, through this experience, I learned firsthand the human aspect of HIV is as significant as the biological. Today, I am living, thriving, and loving with HIV, a testament to strength and progress—both individual and collective.
I will bring these truths to every policy discussion. I am committed to advancing policies that are informed by science and enriched by my lived experiences and those of our communities so that our actions are comprehensive and compassionate.
I’m organizing our approach around three main areas: centering the science, expanding and accelerating our HIV response, and prioritizing equity. For instance, some current policies are outdated and contribute to the stigmatization and discrimination against people with HIV. This includes employment policies, clinical trial guidelines, organ transplant recommendations, and laws related to HIV criminalization. Modernizing these policies to reflect current scientific understanding will ensure equitable treatment and reduce HIV-related stigma.
We’re at a really exciting moment in our response to HIV. It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come—we have powerful tools like PrEP, which is a medication that prevents HIV, and PEP, a treatment that prevents the virus after a potential exposure. And there’s something truly revolutionary about U=U—Undetectable Equals Untransmittable [a message used in HIV campaigns]. This means that by taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) daily as prescribed, people with HIV can reach an undetectable viral load and cannot sexually transmit the virus. It’s a game-changer.
People with HIV are living longer, healthier lives, but these gains have not been experienced by all. That’s why promoting health equity must be central to our nation’s response to HIV. With tailored interventions, we can ensure that our efforts are not one-size-fits-all but precisely calibrated to be as effective as possible.
I am committed to prioritizing scalable interventions that are developed and implemented by community-led organizations. Black-led, Latino-led, and trans-led groups have long been pioneers in HIV prevention, and I intend to ensure these vital voices are not just heard but are leading the charge in our response to HIV in this country.
At Harvard Chan School, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the brightest minds in public health. Courses in implementation science, community-based participatory research, and minority health policy equipped me with practical tools to translate theoretical frameworks into actionable strategies. I’m excited to draw on my academic, professional, and personal background to forge strong alliances and gather the best and brightest from every sector. Ending HIV starts with believing we can.
Photos: Ruiz: Linda Lawson; Group: The TransLatin@ Coalition