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South Carolina's HIV/AIDS cases are among one of the highest in the United States. The state's public health department disclosed that 15,000 South Carolina [adults, teens, and kids carry the virus], following this year's Southern AIDS Awareness Day.
According to Live5News, Palmetto Community Care reports that eight out of the top ten states or U.S. territories of new HIV diagnoses per 100,000 people are considered to be in the Deep South, which includes South Carolina. The excessively high HIV rates in the South have led to the establishment of Southern AIDS Awareness Day on August 20th, a day dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging testing. This is in addition to World Aids Day, which is observed on December 1st and serves a similar purpose. Palmetto Community Care offers free HIV testing on Southern Aids Awareness Day.
According to the CDC, in 2022, the South accounted for nearly half (49%) of the 31,800 estimated new HIV infections. About two-thirds of those cases were gay and bisexual men, a statistic that underscores the disproportionate impact on many southern communities. Heterosexual people accounted for roughly less than 25 percent of the new cases in 2022. Hispanic/Latino populations have the most HIV/AIDS infections among bisexual and gay men. Black/African American populations have the second-highest cases of HIV/AIDS among gay and bisexual men, with white men ranking third. These statistics highlight the need for targeted interventions and support for these communities.
The District of Columbia, New York, Maryland, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, and California are among the other states that carry the highest infection rates in the nation.
Effective prevention methods are available to significantly reduce the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS. These include at-home HIV tests for same-day results , condoms, HIV prep pills like (Truvada and Descovy), regular testing, monogamous relationships, and non-needle sharing. These methods offer hope and reassurance in the battle against HIV/AIDS.
To contact the CDC, call 1-800-232-4636.
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