S.F. Sees Lowest Rates Ever of New HI... - HFI Connect - Hep...

HFI Connect - Hepatitis

959 members1,215 posts

S.F. Sees Lowest Rates Ever of New HIV Diagnoses and Deaths

kcohen profile image
0 Replies

In 2014, San Francisco recorded 302 new HIV diagnoses and 177 deaths of HIV-positive people; these are the lowest-ever numbers in the city’s history of the epidemic and amount to a 17 percent drop from the previous year, reports the San Francisco Examiner.

The data arrive from the city’s Department of Public Health and bolster health officials’ “Getting to Zero” campaign, which includes the goals of zero new infections, zero HIV deaths, and zero stigma and discrimination.

Despite the declines in diagnoses and death, the city has also seen an increase of HIV infections among youth, most notable among young men of color, said Susan Buchbinder, MD, director of the city health department’s HIV prevention unit.

The “Getting to Zero” strategy entails getting more people tested, immediately linking those who are HIV positive to care and treatment, and developing a citywide program to promote pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-negative residents at risk.

Article: realhealthmag.com/articles/...

Written by
kcohen profile image
kcohen
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...