- Atlanta’s health officials are attempting to lower the city’s new HIV cases.
- Many people’s testing and diagnosis were delayed during the COVID-19.
- Black and brown people should receive special attention due to the concerning racial disparities in HIV.
Atlanta’s health officials are attempting to lower the city’s new HIV cases, since figures have increased since COVID-19. Health authorities are encouraging sexual wellness and health because Atlanta has one of the highest rates of HIV infection in the world.
Over 500 HIV cases were reported in Fulton County as of 2021, and metro Atlanta was among the top five cities with the highest number of cases. Many people‘s testing and diagnosis were delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic due to resource and testing constraints.
HIV infection in Metro Atlanta
In addition, health officials are focusing on preventive strategies including offering PrEP, a daily medication that can cut the chance of contracting HIV through intercourse by about 99 percent.
There should be more access locations because there are already between 4,000 and 5,000 PrEP users in Fulton County.
Black women live with HIV at a rate of 16.1 times higher than White women, while Black men are over six times more likely than White men to have been diagnosed with the virus. Black and brown people should receive special attention due to the concerning racial disparities in HIV.
Fighting these numbers will primarily depend on knowledge and resource accessibility. To determine their condition and receive appropriate therapy, persons must be tested. Testing will be accessible throughout major pride events in Atlanta this weekend.
