Health officials unveil ambitious plan to cut HIV infections in Michigan by 90%

Michigan health leaders have announced a new plan that it hopes will reduce the number of new HIV infections by 90% by the year 2030.

“Since 2019, we’ve really learned a lot about what’s possible and about what is needed to really move the work forward,” said Katie Macomber, Director of the Bureau of HIV & STI Programs from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

What was learned then informed the four-step plan they’ve put into motion now.

She explains the first step involves testing.

“We know one in seven people in Michigan don’t know their HIV status, that they’re infected,” Macomber said.

Next is PrEP. To prevent an infection, those who are at a higher risk of contracting the virus can take the medication.

PrEP is covered by insurance and can be taken as a once-daily medication or via injection.

The next step is focusing on those who have HIV.

“Helping people who have HIV stay in care makes them very healthy personally but also helps prevent the spread through others,” said Macomber.

To help people stay in care, they offer support services such as transportation to doctors’ appointments and a case manager.

The last step is using data to identify where there is a need.

“We’re rapidly responding in communities that have new HIV networks so that we know if there’s a cluster of cases in a given area, we can make sure we’re nimble with data to get resources there whether its increased education, testing, provider desert,” Macomber said.

Another thing health leaders are aiming to do is reduce stigma.

A national study found the stigma that exists surrounding HIV in Michigan is higher than the national average.

In 2023, 696 people were newly diagnosed with the virus, and another 18,437 people were living with it.

Macomber wants people to know there are plenty of resources available.

“We really want people to know with HIV that it’s a really manageable chronic condition there are a wealth of folks who will care about you, talk to you in a really nonstigmatizing way,” Macomber said.

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