Let's Step Up and PrEP Up
HIV and Georgians.
In 2024, there were about 40.8 million people worldwide living with HIV, 1.3 million people who acquired HIV, and an estimated 630,000 people who died from HIV-related issues. If you think that HIV is only an issue outside of the United States, think again.
The “Deep South” (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas), experiences a higher burden of HIV compared to other regions in the country. In 2022, Southerners accounted for 52% of all new HIV diagnoses, despite only representing 38% of the U.S. population.
There is no cure for HIV, and symptoms alone cannot diagnose the infection. Getting tested is the only way to know if you have it.
Do you know your status?
In 2019, nearly 40% of people who had HIV didn’t know they had it or knew but weren’t in care. That year, 8 in 10 new HIV infections came from those same folks who didn’t know their status or knew but hadn’t gotten care.
When you know your HIV status – and receive care – it empowers you to take control of your health while keeping yourself and others safe.
Took a risk you weren’t prepared for?
HIV establishes infection very quickly, often within 24 to 36 hours after exposure, but, it’s not too late to take back control.
When taken within 72 hours, nPEP – an emergency medication also known as non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis – can help to prevent HIV after a possible exposure. Data suggests that nPEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by almost 81% compared to no intervention at all.
Are you tired of taking chances?
When you’re unsure of someone’s status, a medication known as PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) helps by protecting you from potential exposure to HIV by reducing your chance of getting the virus. PrEP can reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99% and from injection drug use by at least 74% when taken consistently.
Ladies, if men get protected, then why don’t you?
HIV is not only a male issue. Women make up nearly 19% of new HIV diagnoses in 2023, but they access PrEP at rates ten times lower than men. Of all new HIV diagnoses in women, 84% are attributed to heterosexual contact.
HIV doesn’t discriminate. PrEP is a valuable option for women, providing powerful protection against infection when taken consistently.