The Four Pillars of Ending the HIV Epidemic
Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) in the United States: A Plan for America, known as the Initiative, is a federal effort designed to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030. There are four pillars to this initiative:
The EHE aims to reduce the number of people living with HIV who are unaware of their status. As of 2019, it is estimated that about 13% of people living with HIV did not know they were infected, and that nearly 40% of new infections in 2016 involved someone who was unaware of their status. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once.
To find a testing site near you, visit hhs.nd.gov/health/hiv-testing. Those unable to go to a clinic can find at-home testing options at nddoh.mybinxhealth.com.
The EHE aims to ensure that everyone living with HIV is getting the treatment they need with the goal of helping everyone achieve viral suppression*. Everyone who is diagnosed with HIV should see a health care provider as soon as possible. Individuals who live with HIV who are on HIV treatment medication and who achieve and maintain viral suppression cannot spread HIV to others. These efforts significantly decrease new transmissions. Learn more about treatment options at hhs.nd.gov/HIV
The EHE aims to increase prevention efforts, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine. PrEP is a prevention strategy for people who are at risk for HIV. It involves using a prescription medicine to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Research shows that PrEP medicine is highly effective if used correctly. The CDC recommends PrEP medicine for anyone who is at high risk of getting HIV, but as of 2019, only 23% of the estimated 1.2 million people who qualify for the medication are using it.
Learn more at hhs.nd.gov/HIV
The EHE aims to improve the public health response to new outbreaks. New testing techniques and more sophisticated disease tracking systems, such as molecular surveillance, allow public health officials to pinpoint potential HIV outbreaks. These advances foster timely response with tailored interventions and increased testing, treatment, and prevention services in those areas most in need.
Learn more at hhs.nd.gov/HIV