Latinos Take Worrying Lead in New HIV Infections
Although HIV infection rates are dropping overall in the U.S., Latinos are not seeing the same degree of reduction. Over the past ten years, new infections have decreased by about 23%, but a recent study shows the rate among Latinos has not fallen as drastically. Latinos comprise nearly 19% of the American population, but alarmingly, they account for about 33% of new HIV infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Challenges in Healthcare for HIV Patients
Fernando Hermida, a 31-year-old Latino who sought asylum in the U.S., is a perfect illustration of this public health crisis. Newly diagnosed with HIV at a time when he barely comprehended English, Hermida found the healthcare system complex and challenging to navigate. His experience is part of a broader issue where many Latino HIV patients, like Hermida, are struggling to access appropriate healthcare and treatment.
The recent federal initiative by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services targeted to control the HIV epidemic, extensively funds high-incidence regions. However, it seems this initiative has fallen short of effectively reaching the Latino community.
Deep-rooted Issues Increase HIV Vulnerability Among Latinos
According to the CDC’s Division of HIV Prevention Director, Robyn Neblett Fanfair, systemic, cultural, and economic inequities are major contributors to the escalated HIV rates among Latinos. Factors such as racism, language limitations, and distrust in medical healthcare systems are barriers preventing Latinos from accessing proper HIV care.
For example, Hermida found maintaining consistent care and medication challenging, mainly because of language barriers and complex healthcare protocols. When he finally got an insurer, he didn’t realize that he had to bear a part of his HIV treatment costs himself.
The PrEP Disparity
Preexposure prophylaxis or PrEP, an effective preventive measure against HIV, is underutilized among Latinos. Approved by the federal government in 2012, PrEP’s uptake has remained significantly lower among Latinos compared to white Americans.
According to experts, consistent treatment access, and increasing PrEP use are crucial to achieving community-level protection against HIV transmission.
Policy Change Demands
Latino health policy advocates stress the need for the HHS to declare a public health emergency to funnel more funds into their communities. Out of the nearly $30 billion in federal funds allocated for HIV services, treatment, and prevention in 2022, a mere 4% went towards preventative efforts.
Hispanic HIV Diagnosis Rates Climbing While Overall Cases Diminish
Latest findings have raised growing concerns over the rising HIV diagnosis rates in Latinos versus the overall decline for other racial and ethnic groups. Out of the 57 regions benefiting from the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative, 34 witnessed an increase in diagnosis rates among Latinos from 2019 to 2022.
Initiative Funding Not Sufficient to Cover Latino Needs
Evidence suggests that the Hispanic population’s needs for combating HIV are not met despite the Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. South Carolina, for example, saw Latino HIV rates nearly double over a decade. Yet, they have no plans for spreading HIV mobile testing in rural regions where the need is extremely high among Latinos.
Despite taking a significant toll on his well-being and finances, Hermida managed to receive appropriate HIV treatment at Pineapple Healthcare, a primary care clinic in Orlando, Florida that supports Latino HIV patients. His journey encapsulates the challenges faced by the Latino community in the U.S. and exposes the urgent need for effective actions to tackle HIV among Latinos.
Call to Action
The alarming rise in HIV diagnosis rates among Latinos calls for urgent attention from public health officials and policy-makers. It’s crucial to reshape the healthcare framework, review funding allocation, and reinforce support systems to assist Latinos struggling against HIV and their consequent tribulations.