December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

  • 17 Dec 2024

December marks HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, a critical time to highlight the role of primary care providers in its prevention, testing, and care. While great strides have been made in reducing HIV transmission, there are still over 1.2 million people living with HIV in the US, and approximately 13% remain unaware of their status. As frontline healthcare providers, primary care clinicians play a vital role in addressing this epidemic: 

  • Routine Testing: CDC guidelines recommend HIV screening for all individuals aged 13-64 at least once and more frequent testing for high-risk populations. 
  • PrEP and Prevention: Educating eligible patients about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and safe practices can significantly reduce transmission rates. 
  • Early Intervention: Prompt diagnosis and linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) are essential for improving outcomes and preventing the spread of HIV. 

This December, let’s commit to enhancing awareness, reducing stigma, and strengthening our efforts to end the HIV epidemic. Find more information and resources from the CDC here. Schedule a refresher for your team on HIV screening protocols and have open conversations with your patients about risk factors and prevention options.