Article snippet: This week, the Trump administration dismissed the remaining members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS amid plans to appoint new members in the coming year. Current members, appointed by the Obama administration, were sent letters on Wednesday informing them that their time on the council ended, and were told they are eligible to reapply for their spot on the council according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Some 25 members can be commissioned for the council, also known as "PACHA", but as November only 10 members were listed on the council’s website. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) posted a notice for nominations to the council on the Federal Register at the beginning of December indicating the administration’s desire to continue the advisory board but with a fresh slate of experts. Made up of health policy leaders with expertise in HIV and AIDS and public health, the council's members provide recommendations on programs and policies related to HIV and AIDS to the White House and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. Over 1 million people in the United States are living with HIV, with the most vulnerable populations being gay and bisexual men, particularly African American gay and bisexual men, according to HHS. Kaye Hayes, the executive director of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, confirmed the dismissals, but clarified that every administration goes through a process of appointing new ... Link to the full article to read more