After four decades, we are at the brink of what was once unthinkable—the end of HIV in America.
“We have prevention; we have treatment; and we have testing,” says Dr. Monica Gandhi. What will it take to finally end the epidemic? #WorldAIDSDay
December 1, 2022
Inside the fight to end HIV in America
The US government has set a bold target: Cut new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. How can we conquer the last mile?
Photo via @novapbsInside the fight to end HIV in America
HIV mutates faster than any other virus or any life form that scientists have ever measured.
That’s what makes it hard to create a vaccine. Billions of dollars have gone into research for an HIV vaccine, and all efforts have come up short.
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PrEP—a breakthrough that transformed the course of the HIV/AIDS epidemic—has greatly reduced transmission of HIV and protects people who are at risk of getting infected.
This is how it works:
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PrEP can be taken as a daily pill, on-demand, or as an injection that protects against HIV for two months.
Scientists’ next goal? “An implant that goes under the skin and protects you for a full year,” says Dr. Monica Gandhi.
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Of the major regions in the United States, HIV cases are most prevalent in the Southeast.
“They make up about 50% of HIV diagnoses, with about a third of the US population. So there’s a disparity there,” says Dr. Latesha Elopre.
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Ending the HIV epidemic will require getting treatment and prevention medications to the people who need them.
San Francisco has been leading the way, but Covid-19 has been a significant setback, with rises in homelessness and substance abuse.
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Access to healthcare is key to ending the HIV epidemic. Without insurance, PrEP costs nearly $2,000/month, an insurmountable obstacle for many.
Teaching patients to understand their level of risk and how to protect themselves is a critical factor, too.
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“I am very hopeful now that we have the tools to see the end of all new HIV infections, the end of AIDS deaths, and the end of AIDS stigma. That is what I want to see in my lifetime, and I absolutely know I can.” - Dr. Monica Gandhi #WorldAIDSDay
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'' "Ending HIV in America" shows how after >4 decades of work, scientists and public health officials are beginning to beat one of the most challenging viruses ever faced (and one that many of us have spent our careers fighting). #EndHIVEpidemic
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With tools, we can end AIDS in America but we need 1) the political will; 2) social justice; 3) destigmatization; 4) treatment and prevention equitably applied; 5) harm reduction
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