The Path To Ending HIV

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic has remained steady for several years. The initiatives to end the HIV epidemic (EHE) often feel stagnant despite the efforts of stakeholders. In spaces like Texas, there are over 100,000 infected and over 4,800 new infections yearly, especially among Black and Hispanic individuals. A positive is that total figures include individuals living with the disease and managing well, thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART) effectiveness. At the same time, new infections are not decreasing, especially among youth. Healthcare sectors and advocates can only do so much. Individuals in communities nationwide can truly make a difference. Through education, testing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use by high-risk individuals, reducing the numbers is possible.

Education is power

HIV awareness is an essential part of knowing the dangers of the disease and healthy decision-making. Young adults, in particular, should be educated about the disease as this group is particularly at risk. Many are unaware of the risks, and HIV stigma remains highest among youth and young adults, often due to a lack of education. Education programs at schools, community centers, and online can help with awareness and reducing the spread of HIV. There is still a significant gap in knowledge, HIV status, and awareness. Studies, however, show that HIV-focused programs have a positive effect on the attitudes of adolescents, leading to increased HIV prevention.

Testing is prevention

Education programs help individuals understand the virus, the many dangers, and how to stay safe. Testing is perhaps the most important part of HIV awareness, prevention, and treatment. An HIV test reveals the presence of the disease and the need for immediate therapy. All teens and adults, especially those who are sexually active, should get tested at once yearly. Some groups are at a higher risk of contracting the disease and need more rigorous testing. These include gay and bisexual men, individuals with multiple sexual partners, people who inject drugs (PWID), and those with previous sexually transmitted infections. Testing is possible with an at-home antibody test or via blood tests at a doctor or clinic.

PrEP is protection

If more at-risk people take preventive steps, ending HIV can be an attainable goal. Yet, most are unaware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), the most effective form of HIV prevention. PrEP is a daily or injectable drug that prevents HIV from spreading throughout the body, effectively stopping infection. The medication builds up the required antibodies to block the HIV life cycle. If someone is exposed to HIV during unprotected sex or drug use, the risk of infection is lower. PrEP reduces the risk of infection via sex by 99% and injection drug use by 74%. These figures depend on the correct, consistent use of the medication. The biggest challenge lies in awareness and accessibility of the drug. Some statistics show less than 1% of eligible individuals use PrEP consistently.

Moving toward an HIV-free future

At the core, HIV prevention and ending the epidemic depends on education and accessibility. If the resources are unavailable, especially in underserved areas, prevention becomes difficult. Young people need support and access to information from an early age. Stakeholders must make conversations about the disease easier, disarming the stigma as much as possible. Testing and PrEP must also be cost-effective and easy to acquire. Although programs play a vital role, ending HIV starts with individuals. If each person becomes an advocate, takes accountability, and practices habits that limit infections, the future will be brighter.