Atlanta ranks third in new HIV Infections in the U.S according to the CDC Report
Atlanta has been ranked third in the country for newly diagnosed HIV infections, according to a recent report released by the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The city has reportedly surpassed many other major cities, according to the 2021 data, which emphasizes an urgent need for efforts to detect and prevent new cases.
Key Findings from the CDC Report
The CDC’s annual HIV Surveillance Report, which summarized HIV diagnosis across the U.S. in 2021, highlighted that over half of the new diagnoses occur among people between the ages of 13-24. Notably, the majority of these cases were in African American individuals. This demographic was found to be highly concentrated in Atlanta, which is one of the primary factors contributing to the city’s rank in new HIV infections.
Experts’ Take on the Situation
Imara Canady, National Director for Community Engagement and Communications at the AIDS Health Foundation (AHF), expressed that individuals within this age bracket tend to be more experimental, particularly around sex and sexuality. This is one of the reasons such a high number of cases have been reported. AHF along with the local medical center, AID Atlanta, are reportedly developing unique methods to raise public awareness around HIV infections.
According to Canady, cost plays a significant role in managing an HIV diagnosis, leading to potential barriers in care access. He highlights the need for Medicaid Expansion, explaining its critical role in providing access to essential care without the burdens of high pricing and exorbitant drug costs, particularly for individuals living with HIV or other critical illnesses.
The Role of Medicaid Expansion
The need for Medicaid Expansion has been emphasized due to the correlation between states that refused it and high rates of new infections. Despite the financial restrictions, local medical centers like AID Atlanta are continually supporting HIV and STI testing programs and creating prevention and education initiatives for everyone in the Atlanta metro area. These services are supplemented by housing and utility assistance programs.
The Community’s Involvement
Key community stakeholders, including the Director of Prevention Services at AID Atlanta, DeWayne Ford, encourage strategic partnerships and collaborations to make an impactful difference in the fight against the HIV infection. AID Atlanta aims to bring awareness and education surrounding HIV to the forefront, targeting those at risk, those living with HIV, and the larger community to ensure that everyone is well-informed about the disease. The ultimate goal is to dramatically reduce the HIV infection rates to zero.
The report stresses the importance of amplifying efforts in early detection, effective preventative measures, and comprehensive care and treatment services to curb the increasing rates of HIV infections in Atlanta.