Focusing on South Carolina
October 2009
Focus:
National HIV/AIDS Strategy
SC Statistics:
- SC consistently ranks among the top ten states in the U.S. for highest case rates of AIDS, Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
- In 2007, the estimated percentage of people living with HIV/AIDS in SC without insurance coverage was 21.7%.
- African Americans living in South Carolina are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS; Representing approximately 1/3 of the population, African Americans make up almost 3/4 of new HIV infections annually.
Why is this a public health priority?
South Carolina faces different challenges in addressing HIV/AIDS than much of the nation. Our state is much more rural, a larger percentage of our citizens live near or below the federal poverty level, and an Infectious Disease physician shortage impact prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. Unless a strong, state-wide strategy is developed and implemented, SC will see an increase in HIV infections, decreased effectiveness of anti-retroviral medications, increased medical costs, and decreased access to care.
What is the role of SCPHI in addressing this priority?
The SC Public Health Institute is working with numerous state and local stakeholders to maximize the opportunity our state has in hosting one of the national town hall meetings addressing HIV/AIDS strategy development. Fourteen forums are occurring nationally in regions with diverse communities impacted by HIV/AIDS. The purpose of these forums is to inform the development and implementation of a National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) addressing three primary goals: reducing HIV incidence, increasing access to care and optimizing health outcomes, and reducing HIV-related health disparities.
Who are SCPHI’s key partners in this effort?
White House Office of National AIDS Policy
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control – HIV/STD Division
