In a move to aggressively combat the rise in HIV infections, Wake County Public Health is launching a new campaign aimed at promoting the availability and benefits of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). Dubbed "Wake up to PrEP," the initiative specifically targets communities that are most at-risk, employing a strategy of education and improved access to the medication that has been proven highly effective in preventing HIV transmission.
"Wake up to PrEP" is set to cast a wide net to connect residents with these life-saving resources, especially those burdened by higher risks of HIV exposure. Wake County Public Health intends to quickly spread the word via social media, local healthcare collaboration, and community events. The campaign also aspires to not only alert the public to their options but to also reduce the cost barriers associated with PrEP treatment.
Wake County saw a troubling uptick in new HIV diagnoses, with a 13.3% increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. "By increasing awareness and breaking down barriers to treatment, we can significantly reduce new HIV infections in our community," Wake County Commissioner Don Mial recognized the importance of the campaign in a statement on the Wake County website.
Equity in healthcare is a focal point of the campaign, as statistics from the North Carolina Department of Public Health pinpoint a disconcerting prevalence of new HIV cases among Black/African Americans, who represented 56.5% of the new diagnoses in Wake County. The campaign's messaging and outreach efforts are to specifically address the needs and concerns of these disproportionately impacted demographics. This calculated approach attempts to ensure everyone has the opportunity to fully grasp and obtain PrEP.
According to Wake County Public Health, PrEP can be taken as a daily pill or a bi-monthly injection and, when used consistently, it reduces the risk of contracting HIV from sex by around 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74%. Targeted for individuals at elevated risk, such as those with an HIV-positive partner, people who inject drugs, or anyone with multiple sexual partners, PrEP represents a cornerstone of HIV prevention in vulnerable populations.
