HIV/AIDS in Atlanta: inequalities persist in access to treatment and prevention

Despite progress in providing access to affordable health care across class and racial lines, in the decades since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, residents of Atlanta faces serious obstacles when it comes to HIV and AIDS treatment and prevention, according to a local expert.

Carlos Saldana, an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University, said there is a long-term staffing problem in crucial public roles at the state level, including a vacancy lasting more than a year for the position of director of the Georgia HIV program.

“In addition, there are significant challenges in recruiting key personnel such as disease specialists and liaison coordinators in local health departments,” Saldana said.

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that metro Atlanta has the third highest number of new HIV diagnoses with 1,562 new cases, behind Miami and Memphis.

Saldana attributes the rise of AIDS in Georgia to lack of structured leadership, inequalities in awareness and accessibility, stigma, lack of awareness of the effectiveness of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Complicating substance use disorders like cocaine and methamphetamines. management of HIV and perhaps directly affecting its transmission.

This story comes from a special collaboration between SCAD and Rough Draft Atlanta. To read more SCAD student stories, visit our SCAD x Rough Draft hub.

Metro Atlanta accounts for more than half of Georgia’s 2,371 reported cases. In these figures, black women accounted for half of new HIV infections among women, while black and Hispanic men accounted for most new infections compared to their white counterparts. As the cost of treatment and prevention medications remains high, the minority demographic remains at risk. Expanding service south of I-20 could help reduce those numbers significantly.

Strengthened collaboration between public health agencies, community organizations and academic institutions is essential to lend a hand in creating solutions, Saldana said.

“More investment is needed in the recruitment and retention of public health personnel,” he said. “This includes a focus on HIV and infectious disease specialists, such as physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, to ensure a robust response to public health needs.” »

Saldana also said expanding access to Medicaid would help improve access to health services for marginalized communities, which could reduce their vulnerability to HIV.

An article from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute shared a similar sentiment.

“If Georgia fully expanded Medicaid, the largest reductions in uninsured rates would occur among black Georgians; young Georgians aged 19 to 34; Georgians who have not completed high school; and in the southern and western counties of the state,” the article reads.

Saldana said HIV and STI testing kits are available for free at StopHIVAtl.org. Stop HIV ATL also provides other services such as testing, information about PrEP, HIV and access to them in your country.

The Aids HealthCare Foundation (AHF) has more than 11 locations throughout the Atlanta area. It is a global nonprofit organization aimed at ridding the world of AIDS through a network of healthcare contracts, pharmacies and other partnerships. They offer services such as healthcare, AHF pharmacy, housing and advocacy through several other programs. AHF care services help people living with HIV access the specialists and treatments they need to live happier, healthier lives for themselves and those around them.