N.C. DHHS' Division of Public Health Report Indicates Progress in Treating HIV Patients | Eastern North Carolina Now

For Immediate Release

    Raleigh, N.C.     A report released this week by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows encouraging progress about HIV and AIDS in the state. The 2013 Epidemiologic Report on HIV and STDs presents data showing that while the number of people living with HIV infection has steadily increased as new diagnoses continue and people survive longer, the rate of newly diagnosed HIV infections has been decreasing since 2008.

    "We have developed strategies to keep clients in care and bring costs down, while preventing adverse outcomes such as hospitalization and drug resistance to effective medication," said Jacquelyn Clymore, HIV/STD Director with DPH. "These strategies include the addition of 'bridge counselors' who focus on retention in care and locating HIV positive patients lost to care in an effort to link them to treatment and medication."

    DPH continues to promote its three part strategy of 1) testing individuals for HIV, 2) getting those who test positive for HIV linked to medical care and 3) for those who may have fallen out of HIV care, getting them re-connected to HIV care and treatment.

    An estimated 36,300 people were living with HIV infection in North Carolina (including 6,500 individuals who may not be aware of their HIV infection), as of December 2013. African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV disease.

    "Clearly", said Clymore, "we have significant health disparities in HIV infection that we must continue to address. We must work harder with our minority community to enhance their access to the full spectrum of care and prevention services that will help them live well, and assure reduction in transmission."

    The majority of newly diagnosed HIV infections occurred among the 20-29 year old age group and roughly 20 percent of all newly diagnosed HIV infections in 2013 were among adolescent (13-24 years of age) males.

    The full report can be found online.


    NC Department of Health and Human Services

    2001 Mail Service Center
     Raleigh, NC 27699-2001

     news@dhhs.nc.gov  •  (919) 855-4840