Atlanta has earned a dubious distinction as one of the top cities in America for new HIV infections, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The city ranked third among U.S. metro areas, right behind Memphis and Miami, with a reported 1,500-plus new cases in 2021. The South as a whole is grappling with the epidemic, with over half of the country's new infections occurring in the region.
In Georgia, Atlanta's new diagnoses accounted for more than half of the state's total in 2021, suggesting the virus is hitting the metro area particularly hard. As reported by WABE, the rates in Fulton and DeKalb counties were the highest nationwide, at about 50 cases per 100,000 people. "These numbers serve as a reminder that much work needs to be done to end the HIV epidemic in Atlanta," Jeff Cheek, director of the Fulton County Department for HIV Elimination, told the station.
The high incidence in the metro Atlanta area is troubling, with 83.2% of the cases resulting from male-to-male sexual contact, and about 73% of those diagnosed being Black men. Addressing these alarming figures, Cheek emphasized the necessity for urgency in distributing prevention tools. Jeff Cheek underscored the immediate need for resources to Georgia residents, including pre-exposure prophylaxis, according to a WABE interview.
With the aim of reducing barriers to care like lack of insurance and the need for food and housing, the Department for HIV Elimination has recently launched a client-centered website. It helps patients in identifying nearby service providers and gives detailed explanations of their services. "Clients will see that they have a choice in their HIV care, as well as access to educational videos to feel more empowered and supported with their healthcare options," said Cheek in the statement obtained by WABE.
The Fulton Department for HIV Elimination doesn't just talk the talk, they're funding 23 agencies and dedicating additional funds to support services. This includes non-medical case management, childcare, and provisions for essentials like transportation and food banks. Kicking efforts into higher gear, Atlanta LGBTQ advocates also heralded the launch of a new HIV-care clinic tailored to Black gay men's needs, offering not just medical care but supportive services in Midtown last month.
