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Program Parts and Initiatives

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) helps low-income people with HIV by providing: 

  • Medical care  
  • Medications  
  • Support services to help them stay in care

Each year, more than half of all people diagnosed with HIV -- about 500,000 people -- receive help through the RWHAP. 

We also help diagnose, treat, prevent, and respond to end the HIV epidemic in the United States.

How does the program work? 

We provide grants to cities, states, counties, and community-based groups. Our grants help:

  • Provide care, medication, and support services to people with HIV
  • Improve HIV-related health outcomes
  • Reduce the spread of HIV

How is the program structured?

There are five parts to the RWHAP.  Each has a different funding purpose.

Program Parts Grant Recipients Funding Purpose
Part A
  • Eligible Metropolitan Areas
  • Transitional Grant Areas
 Provide medical and support services to cities and counties most affected by HIV
Part B
  • 50 states
  • District of Columbia
  • Puerto Rico
  • U.S. Virgin Islands 
  • Six U.S. territories
  • Improve the quality of and access to HIV health care and support in the United States
  • Provide medications to low-income people with HIV through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program
Part C Local community-based groups
  • Provide outpatient ambulatory health services and support for people with HIV  
  • Help community-based groups to strengthen their ability to deliver high-quality HIV care
Part D Local community-based organizations
  • Provide medical care for low-income women, infants, children, and youth with HIV
  • Offer support services for people with HIV and their family members
Part F

AETCs and SPNS

  • Public or private non-profit organizations in the United States 
  • Schools and academic health science centers 
  • Faith-based organizations
  • Tribes and tribal organizations 

Dental Programs

  • Dental schools 
  • Hospitals with postdoctoral dental residency programs
  • Community colleges with dental hygiene programs

Minority AIDS Initiative

RWHAP recipients

How has the program helped people with HIV in the United States?

Over the last thirty years, the RWHAP has played a critical role in the U.S. public health response to HIV. 

In 2022, the RWHAP served more than 550,000 people with HIV (PDF - 3 MB). Among RWHAP clients who received HIV care, 89.6% were virally suppressed. This rate is higher the national average of 65.9%. Viral suppression means that they have a low level of HIV in their blood. This enables them to live longer healthier lives, and prevents them from transmitting the virus to their partners.

How is the program funded?

First authorized in 1990, the RHWAP was funded at $2.23 billion in fiscal year 2022. View the RWHAP Legislation and Budget webpages to learn more.

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