Current plan falls short on prevention, testing and treatment, and retention in care to help more people living with HIV reach viral suppression

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, released the following statement in response to the CDC 2022 Surveillance Reports available this week which reveal disparities in preventing HIV and for people living with HIV in the US compared to the rest of the world. Among G7 countries, the US has one of the highest numbers of people living with HIV (1,079,751) and had the greatest number of newly diagnosed cases (36,470) in 2022, based on the most recent HIV reports available from each country.

“America has targeted a reduction in new HIV cases by 90% by 2023 with the Ending the HIV Epidemic goals, but we are a long way away,” says Dr. Michael Dube, National Medical Director of AHF’s Public Health Division. “Prevention efforts are lacking, which is evident given the substantial number of new HIV infections in 2022. The US is not doing its best to prevent the spread of HIV.

“For people living with HIV, viral suppression leads to healthy living, and it ensures no further transmission of HIV. Consistent retention in HIV care and adherence to medication can reduce the overall number of new cases. With public health funding for HIV and STIs diminishing every year, it is clear a reinvigorated plan is needed to combat the HIV epidemic in the US.

“The US’ HIV rates are unconscionable when compared with G7 countries and many developing countries. America’s retention in care efforts are failing people living with HIV, and it shows in the decrease in viral suppression.

“The US should renew its efforts in preventing HIV by directly addressing prevention strategies, retention, and viral suppression if there is any chance to meet the Ending the HIV Epidemic goals.”

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization, provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 2 million individuals across 47 countries, including the U.S. and in Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Eastern Europe. To learn more about AHF, visit us online at AIDShealth.org, find us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and subscribe to our AHFter Hours podcast.

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