ATLANTA – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks Georgia fifth in the nation for new HIV diagnoses. The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages people to observe World AIDS Day by getting tested for HIV. While there is no effective cure for HIV, with proper treatment and care HIV positive individuals can – and do - live long, healthy lives. 

One in six individuals living with HIV in Georgia doesn’t know they have the virus, which increases the risk they will infect someone else. When you know your HIV status, you can talk to a health care provider about treatment options if you’re HIV-positive, or learn ways to prevent getting HIV if you’re HIV-negative.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a pill taken daily by HIV negative individuals before contact with someone who is HIV positive. If taken as prescribed, PrEP reduces the chance of HIV infection by more than 90% in those exposed through sex and by more than 70% in those exposed through injection drug use.

“PrEP is a powerful HIV-prevention tool, and, when used with condoms, the risk of acquiring other sexually transmitted diseases is also reduced,” said Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health. “When combined with routine HIV testing, PrEP provides even greater protection.”

DPH has a “one-stop shop” online tool that can help link people to HIV testing, care and social services statewide. The hub includes a Ryan White Pre-Eligibility Portal, mapping and testing information, a resource directory and medical information on HIV/AIDS and related health conditions. To learn more visit gacapus.com. 

Get tested. Get treatment. Get PrEP. We can end the HIV epidemic in Georgia.