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Program Parts & Initiatives

The Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) helps low-income people with HIV. We help them receive: 

  • Medical care  
  • Medications  
  • Essential support services to help them stay in care

More than 50% of people with diagnosed HIV – about a half million people – receive services through the RWHAP each year. 

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

How does the program work? 

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

  • Provide care, medication, and essential support services to people with HIV
  • HIV-related health outcomes
  • Reduce HIV transmission

How is the program structured?

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

Program Parts Grant Recipients Funding Purpose
Part A
  • Eligible Metropolitan Areas (EMAs)
  • Transitional Grant Areas (TGAs)
 Provide medical and support services to cities and counties most severely affected by HIV
Part B All 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and six U.S. territories
  • Improve the quality of and access to HIV health care and support in the U.S.
  • Provide medications to low-income people with HIV through AIDS Drug Assistance Program
Part C Local community-based groups
  • Provide outpatient ambulatory health services and support for people with HIV  
  • Help for community-based groups to strengthen their capacity 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

  • Domestic public or private, non-profit organizations, schools, 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 U.S.?

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 exceeds the national viral suppression average of 65.9%. This means they cannot transmit HIV to their partners and can live longer and healthier lives.

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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