Once HIV was identified as the virus that causes AIDS, the race was on to stop the spread and find treatments. This virus was spreading and beginning to affect more Americans. It was important that the government step in to regulate treatments and put procedures in place to keep people safe. In this activity, you will learn about the jobs that two government agencies performed to help mankind deal with this new bloodborne pathogen.

Step 1: The Search for a Cure—FDA
Scientists figured out that HIV was the reason why many people were developing AIDS. But once someone was infected, what could be done to keep the virus from destroying a person’s immune system? Medicines and treatments were needed. This is where the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, comes in.

The government began to gather data on those infected with HIV, and they continue to do this today. This data helps them to know more about the groups of patients affected by HIV. Check out the statistics they list here.

What exactly is the FDA’s role? Take a look around their website to find out.

FDA’s HIV Center

Once you have explored the role that the FDA plays in the approval and recommendations for treatment, it’s time to use the information you found.

Imagine that you are an official who works for the FDA, specifically in HIV treatment and research. You have been contacted by a news organization for a quick interview. The reporter has two questions and would like you to answer by email.

Here are the two questions:

Are there any statistics that show whether HIV has infected children in the United States?
What are the FDA’s standards of medications and treatments for this group?
Using the information you learned, write a brief paragraph on behalf of the FDA that answers the reporter’s questions.

Step 2: Preventing the Spread- EPA
Knowing how a bloodborne pathogen spreads is key to containing it. But what about when a patient with HIV needs medical care? What should be done with the needles or bandages that have HIV-contaminated blood? Now we involve the EPA, or the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA creates standards on many topics, from how to dispose of medical waste to approving cleaners that can destroy the virus. They even have standards about the types of incinerators that hospitals can use to dispose of medical waste.

You can learn more about their standards and uncover some data about the disposal of contaminated medical waste on their website. Or you can use this link: EPA. Another resource is a brochure they offer, educating states on their recommended standards for disposing of medical waste.

Once you have explored the role that the EPA plays in helping contain the spread of bloodborne pathogens, it’s time to use the information you found.

Imagine this time that you are an official at the EPA who deals with advising states on how to make sure hospitals in their area dispose of hazardous medical waste properly. You have been contacted by a state representative asking for your input. The representative has asked two questions and would like your answer in an email.

Here are the two questions:

What are the dangers of used sharps or needles?
What types of safe disposal options does the EPA recommend?
Using the information you’ve learned, write a brief paragraph in reply to the state representative on behalf of the EPA.

Step 3: Reflect
Consider what you have learned about both government agencies and the role they play in protecting us from HIV. Which do you feel is most important? Why? Write a short paragraph that explains your viewport. Make sure you use some of the information you learned to support your argument.