CDC report ranks Atlanta third for new HIV infections

A recent report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) ranks Atlanta third for new diagnoses of HIV infection. The Center’s annual HIV surveillance report, released in March, summarizes information on HIV infections diagnosed in the United States in 2021.

More than half of the new cases are among people ages 13 to 24 nationwide, the majority of them African Americans.

Imara Canada, national director of community engagement and communications at the AIDS Health Foundation (AHF), says people in this age group are more experimental when it comes to sex and sexuality. AHF and local AID Atlanta Medical Center are working to develop creative ways to educate residents about this.

“HIV care is extremely expensive, and that’s where supporting Medicaid expansion is critical to ensuring that not only people living with HIV can access the care they need, but those who do living with a serious illness can have access to care. they need and not be burdened by the high price of medications or the cost of care,” Canady said.

States that declined Medicaid expansion — including Georgia — correlate with new infection rates.

“HIV care is extremely expensive, and that’s where Medicaid Expansion’s support is critical to ensuring that not only those living with HIV can access the care they need, but those living with serious illness can get access to the care they need and not be hampered by high prices, whether it’s the price of medications or the cost of care,” Canady said.

AID Atlanta provides testing, care, prevention and education to anyone living in metro Atlanta. Patients can be tested for HIV and STIs and enroll in a PrEP program as well as housing and utility assistance for those who need it.

DeWayne Ford is the Director of Prevention Services at AID Atlanta. He added that the help of community stakeholders and Atlanta residents has a huge impact in the fight to reduce the rate of HIV infection.

“We want everyone to know everything about HIV,” Ford said. “If they are living with HIV, treat them if they are at risk and give them PrEP until the infection rate is zero and you no longer need us. In the meantime, we are here and ready to collaborate with people who share this mission.

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