The American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) is pleased to announce the official launch of the Respiratory Antiviral Alliance (RAA), a new multi-stakeholder effort co-lead by AMWA, the Sepsis Alliance, and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs in partnership with Alliance for Aging Research, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, HealthyWomen, National Hispanic Council on Aging, and NCBA, that is committed to ensuring that older adults and people living with chronic and underlying medical conditions have timely, affordable access to antiviral treatments. The RAA website is now live at RespAntiviral.org, marking an important milestone in advancing coordinated national action on respiratory health.

With respiratory illness activity expected to rise in the months ahead, RAA’s work comes at a critical time. Antiviral medications play a vital role in reducing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death when administered early. Yet many high-risk adults continue to face financial, logistical, and informational barriers that delay or prevent access to these lifesaving treatments. RAA aims to confront these challenges through education, policy engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.

Upcoming Media Briefing with the National Press Foundation

As part of its launch activities, RAA is partnering with the National Press Foundation (NPF) to host an RAA-sponsored webinar and media briefing on December 16. This event is designed to equip journalists, healthcare communicators, and others following seasonal respiratory illness trends with up-to-date information on:

  • The role of antiviral treatments
  • Current barriers to care
  • The importance of affordable, timely access for high-risk populations

Register HERE.

A Collaborative Effort Across Sectors

The launch of the Respiratory Antiviral Alliance reflects the combined leadership of its convening organizations:

  • Eliza Lo Chin, MD, MPH, Executive Director, American Medical Women’s Association
  • Cindy Hou, DO, MA, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Sepsis Alliance
  • Bob Blancato, Executive Director, National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs

On behalf of the conveners and their organizations, AMWA extends sincere appreciation to all partners supporting this initiative as RAA begins its work to expand awareness, reduce access barriers, and improve outcomes for millions of Americans at elevated risk from respiratory infections.

Learn More and Connect with RAA

Website: RespAntiviral.org
X (Twitter), BlueSky, LinkedIn: @Respiratory Antiviral Alliance