Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the State of Texas of the United States: Past Reflections, Present Shortcomings, and Future Needs of the Public Health Response.
Ume L Abbas, Camden J Hallmark, Marlene McNeese, Vagish Hemmige, Joseph Gathe, Victoria Williams, Brandon Wolf, Maria C Rodriguez-Barradas
Author Information
Ume L Abbas: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. ORCID
Camden J Hallmark: Division of Disease Prevention and Control, Houston Health Department, Houston, Texas, USA.
Marlene McNeese: Division of Disease Prevention and Control, Houston Health Department, Houston, Texas, USA.
Vagish Hemmige: Montiofiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA.
Joseph Gathe: Private Practice, Houston, Texas, USA.
Victoria Williams: Ryan White Planning Council Office of Support, Houston, Texas, USA.
Brandon Wolf: OutSmart Magazine, Houston, Texas, USA.
Maria C Rodriguez-Barradas: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
A strategy titled "Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America" aims to reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence in the United States by at least 90% by 2030, using diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. Texas is a Southern state that has one of the highest numbers of new HIV diagnoses and people with HIV in the country, and where HIV disproportionately impacts minorities. We retrace the historical epidemic in its largest city, Houston, to illustrate the lessons learned and milestones accomplished, which could serve as guideposts for the future. We examine the current epidemic in Texas, including the achieved levels of HIV testing, treatment continua, and pre-exposure prophylaxis prescription, and compare and contrast these with the national estimates and Plan targets. Our findings call for urgent and accelerated expansion of efforts to end HIV in Texas.
