After a nearly 20-year career with equipment and software supplier Applied Materials, Steve Verschoor co-founded Molecular Testing Labs, a research focused diagnostic laboratory. Steve Verschoor possesses a background in engineering and remains informed on developments in public health. He follows updates on the impact of COVID-19 on other health priorities, such as HIV prevention.
A report released by the CDC describes how the global response to treating and slowing the transmission of the novel coronavirus has led to barriers for HIV prevention protocols. For example, travel restrictions have limited the ability of many people to access HIV testing centers. Additionally, breakdowns in the global supply chain have caused medical supply shortages in many countries.
Governments around the world have worked to reverse these setbacks by promoting the use of at-home HIV tests and bundling preventative medications such as PrEP in 90-day prescriptions. The United Nations has advised that routine HIV and hepatitis C screenings for populations vulnerable to viral transmissions, such as people in the prison system, should be performed according to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Steve Verschoor 