HIV Infections In San Francisco Down By More Than A Third
While the war against HIV still rages on all over the world, San Francisco is showing fantastic progress in fighting the virus.
Statistics published on September 1 in the HIV Epidemiology Annual Report reveal that the number of people infected with HIV has dropped by 34% in three years.
In 2013, 285 new infections were reported in the city, compared to only 99 people so far this year.
Researchers credit increased access to PrEP with being a huge factor in the decline in infections, as well as in helping to remove stigma surrounding the virus.
Barbara Garcia, director of health at San Francisco Department of Public Health, is thrilled at the progress but says some groups, like African-American men, are not seeing a decline in infection.
"Without improvements for these populations, we as a city will not reach zero."
Meanwhile, more than half of new infections reported are in people over the age of 50, making age a consideration, as well.
