New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday reveals a 12 percent drop in new HIV infections in the United States between 2017 and 2021. While this progress is encouraging, officials caution that the nation is still not on track to achieve its goal of reducing new infections by 90 percent by 2030. The challenges hindering progress include disruptions caused by the ongoing pandemic and disparities in access to preventive care.
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, Director of the CDC, acknowledged the positive direction of the nation’s HIV prevention efforts but pointed out that systemic inequities, social and economic marginalization, and residential segregation continue to impede the widespread implementation of highly effective HIV treatment and prevention methods. These factors prevent individuals who could benefit from such interventions from accessing them.
The report highlights a significant decline in new infections among young people, with a notable 34 percent drop among individuals aged 13 to 24. However, while new infections decreased by 45 percent among white gay and bisexual men in the same age group, the decrease was only 36 percent among Latinos and 27 percent among Black men. These statistics underscore persistent racial disparities in access to preventive medications, revealing a need for targeted interventions.
Despite an overall increase in the usage of pre-exposure prophylaxis medication (PrEP) among individuals at the highest risk of contracting HIV, disparities persist among different racial groups. Only 11 percent of Black individuals and 21 percent of Latinos at risk of infection received preventive medication, in contrast to 78 percent of at-risk white individuals. These disparities highlight the urgent need for equitable access to preventive measures.
The CDC data also draws attention to the significant number of new HIV infections reported in Southern states, where Republican lawmakers have not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Inadequate funding for HIV prevention and treatment, coupled with limitations on healthcare access, poses substantial challenges to combatting the HIV epidemic in these areas. Recent decisions, such as a federal judge striking down a provision of the ACA requiring insurance coverage for PrEP at no cost, further threaten access to this crucial preventive medication.
Additionally, the rise of anti-LGBTQ+ state laws across the country creates an atmosphere that discourages queer and trans individuals from seeking preventive care. The combination of reduced access to healthcare services and the perception that their lives are not valued can hinder efforts to prevent HIV transmission and increase infection rates.
Further concerns arise as potential cuts to public health funding loom in a debt ceiling deal between the Biden administration and congressional Republicans. Such cuts could have severe consequences for HIV testing, case investigation, and treatment, leading to a rise in new infections and an increased need for lifelong care and support.
While progress has been made in reducing new HIV infections in the U.S., the path to achieving the ambitious 2030 goals remains challenging. Addressing disparities, tackling the impact of the pandemic, and ensuring equitable access to preventive care are crucial steps in curbing the HIV epidemic and safeguarding public health.