Search

Clinical trials have demonstrated that preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) protects against HIV infection; yet, even with its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, less than 10% of eligible users in the United States are currently taking PrEP. While there are multiple factors that influence PrEP uptake and pose barriers to PrEP implementation, here we focus on PrEP’s cost in the United States, which, at the current list price of $2000 per month and with high levels of cost sharing, can leave insured users with more than $1000 in out-of-pocket costs every year. We discuss how patient deductibles, monthly premiums, copayments, and coinsurance vary widely and may increase the financial burden. Although drug payment-assistance programs have made PrEP more affordable to uninsured and underinsured users, lack of insurance is a barrier to PrEP accessibility. The FDA approved a generic version in 2017; however, that version has not been distributed to US consumers and may not be more affordable. As other countries begin implementing PrEP programs, the extent of PrEP’s availability as a tool in the global fight against HIV remains to be seen.

Objectives. To describe and control an outbreak of HIV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID). Methods. The investigation included people diagnosed with HIV infection during 2015 to 2018 linked to 2 cities in northeastern Massachusetts epidemiologically or through molecular analysis. Field activities included qualitative interviews regarding service availability and HIV risk behaviors. Results. We identified 129 people meeting the case definition; 116 (90%) reported injection drug use. Molecular surveillance added 36 cases to the outbreak not otherwise linked. The 2 largest molecular groups contained 56 and 23 cases. Most interviewed PWID were homeless. Control measures, including enhanced field epidemiology, syringe services programming, and community outreach, resulted in a significant decline in new HIV diagnoses. Conclusions. We illustrate difficulties with identification and characterization of an outbreak of HIV infection among a population of PWID and the value of an intensive response. Public Health Implications. Responding to and preventing outbreaks requires ongoing surveillance, with timely detection of increases in HIV diagnoses, community partnerships, and coordinated services, all critical to achieving the goal of the national Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative.

In his State of the Union Address on February 5, 2019, President Donald J. Trump announced his administration’s goal to end the domestic HIV epidemic. Following the announcement of the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America initiative, the president proposed $291 million in new funding for the fiscal year 2020 Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget to implement a new initiative to reduce the number of new HIV infections by 75% in the next five years (2025) and by 90% in the next 10 years (2030). This is in addition to the $20 billion the US government already spends each year, domestically, for HIV prevention and care. With this initiative, HHS recognizes that the time to end the HIV epidemic is now: we have the right data, the right biomedical and behavioral tools, and the right leadership. With the new resources, the goal is achievable. This article outlines how this initiative will be accomplished through the implementation of four fundamental strategies that will be tailored by local communities on the basis of their own needs and strengths.

The federal government has proposed an end to HIV transmission in the United States by 2030. Although the United States has made substantial overall progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have raised concerns about widening, yet largely unrecognized, HIV infection disparities among Hispanic and Latino populations. This commentary identifies underlying drivers of increasing new HIV infections among Hispanics/Latinos, discusses existing national efforts to fight HIV in Hispanic/Latino communities, and points to gaps in the federal response. Consideration of the underlying drivers of increased HIV incidence among Hispanics/Latinos is warranted to achieve the administration’s 2030 HIV/AIDS goals. Specifically, the proposed reinforcement of national efforts to end the US HIV epidemic must include focused investment in four priority areas: (1) HIV stigma reduction in Hispanic/Latino communities, (2) the availability and accessibility of HIV treatment of HIV-positive Hispanics/Latinos, (3) the development of behavioral interventions tailored to Hispanic/Latino populations, and (4) the engagement of Hispanic/Latino community leaders.

Objectives. To determine the number of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Canada and the annual coverage of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) and needle-and-syringe provision for PWID. Methods. We estimated the number of PWID in 11 of 13 Canadian provinces and territories in 2011 by using indirect multiplier methods based on provincial and territorial methadone recipient totals and proportion of surveyed PWID receiving methadone. We modeled annual increases for 2011 to 2016 on Quebec and British Columbia longitudinal data. We calculated needle-and-syringe coverage (World Health Organization [WHO] recommendation: ≥ 200 per PWID) and OAT coverage (WHO recommendation: ≥ 40 per 100 PWID) per province and territory annually. Results. An estimated 130 000 individuals in Canada (0.55%) injected drugs in 2011, increasing to 171 900 individuals (0.70%) in 2016. Needle-and-syringe coverage increased from 193 to 291 per PWID, and OAT coverage increased from 55 to 66 per 100 PWID over the study period. Conclusions. While the number of PWID increased between 2011 and 2016, OAT coverage remained high, and needle-and-syringe coverage generally improved over time. Public Health Implications. These data will inform public health surveillance, service planning, and resource allocation, and assist monitoring of treatment and harm-reduction coverage outcomes.