Want to learn more? 

www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/end-HIV

1/2 8 in 10 90%

MAR. 2019

#vitalsigns

Many people with HIV aren’t 

getting the treatment they need.

PROBLEM:

Ending the HIV Epidemic

HIV Treatment Is Prevention

Overview:

We can end the HIV epidemic in the US. 

Immediate, effective treatment is key. 

Taking HIV medicine as prescribed can 

make the amount of virus in the body very 

low (called viral suppression* or undetectable). 

People with HIV who stay undetectable can 

stay healthy and have effectively no risk of 

sexually transmitting HIV. 

To reduce new infections:

• Early HIV diagnosis is crucial. Everyone aged 

13-64 should be tested at least once. People 

at high risk should be tested at least annually. 

Sexually active gay and bisexual men may 

benefit from more frequent testing (e.g., every 

3-6 months). bit.ly/2eJ8YNz

• People with HIV should take HIV 

treatment as soon as possible. People 

who stay in lifetime treatment can live 

longer, prevent complications from HIV, 

and prevent transmission through sex.

• Prevention tools like condoms and 

pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can 

protect people who are at risk for HIV.

8 in 10 new HIV 

infections come 

from people not 

in HIV care. 

Half of people with HIV 

know it, are in care, and 

are virally suppressed 

or undetectable. 

New US goal: cut 

new HIV infections 

by at least 90% in 

10 years. The time 

is now. 

About half of people with HIV are virally 

suppressed or undetectable.

• There are nearly 40,000 new HIV infections 

a year.

• New HIV infections come from people who 

aren’t virally suppressed or undetectable.

• Nearly 40% of people with HIV don’t know 

they have it or know but aren’t in care.

* Less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood
HIV Treatment Can Prevent Transmission

• Ask patients about their challenges taking medicine; talk about 

the importance of taking it as prescribed.

• Address mental health issues and drug/alcohol misuse, which 

may make it harder for patients to stay in care.

• Provide a supportive environment for HIV care that includes help 

with transportation, housing, health insurance, and other needs.

• Learn more: bit.ly/2Lugq4w

THE WAY FORWARD

HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS CAN:

• Test patients for HIV. Quickly link 

people with HIV to care and help 

them stay in care.

• Discuss prevention with patients 

who may benefit from condoms

and PrEP.

PEOPLE WITH HIV CAN:

• Start HIV care now, stay in care, and take 

medicine as prescribed.

• Tell their provider if they have problems 

taking the medicine.

• Learn more about HIV care and how 

to live well with HIV: bit.ly/2ncxBcK

HEALTH DEPARTMENTS CAN:

• Test people for HIV, and quickly 

link people with HIV to care.

• Find people who fall out of HIV 

care, and help them get back 

in care.

EVERYONE CAN:

• Learn how to prevent HIV, and know 

their HIV status. gettested.cdc.gov

• Support family and friends who 

have HIV.

For more information

1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)

TTY: 1-888-232-6348 | Web: www.cdc.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333

Publication date: March 18, 2019

CS296484-A

Healthcare providers can make it easier for 

patients to stay in care and take HIV medicine. 

ENDING THE HIV EPIDEMIC: A PLAN FOR AMERICA 

Diagnose HIV as 

early as possible

Treat HIV quickly 

and effectively

Protect people 

at risk

Respond quickly 

to clusters of 

new cases

% OF PEOPLE 

WITH HIV STATUS OF CARE ACCOUNTED FOR X% OF 

NEW TRANSMISSIONS*

15% didn’t know they had HIV 38%

23% knew they had HIV but 

weren’t in care 43%

11% in care but not virally 

suppressed 20%

51% taking HIV medicine and 

virally suppressed 0%

HIV TRANSMISSIONS IN 2016

*Values do not equal 100% because of rounding

bit.ly/2DW9Deb

SOURCE: Vital Signs, 2019

Ending the HIV Epidemic: 

The pathway is clear. 

Join us: bit.ly/2DW9Deb