HIV

Despite millions of dollars invested in HIV prevention and care, Black residents continue to account for a disproportionate share of HIV diagnoses in Mecklenburg County. In part two of WFAE’s series, we hear from people living with HIV, and from care providers and county officials about efforts to combat the virus.

Black residents in Mecklenburg County continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, despite advances in treating the virus. In 2024, Black residents accounted for about 60% of new cases. In part one of a two-part series, WFAE explores some of the reasons for those disparities and the challenges faced by those living with HIV.

This week, Mecklenburg County Public Health set up additional free, confidential HIV testing sites across Charlotte in recognition of National HIV Testing Day.

HIV medications were supposed to be exempt from U.S. aid cuts. In Zambia, for example, those on the ground say otherwise.

On Friday, a memorandum signed by Marco Rubio called for a 90-day cessation of foreign aid. That would likely put on hold the work of PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

The government provides HIV medicines free of charge. Yet in one Indigenous territory, cases and deaths are increasing at an alarming rate.

In newly released data, lenacapavir, given via a twice-yearly injection, has shown remarkable effectiveness at eliminating HIV transmission during sexual contact. But its cost could be an issue.

Although HIV transmission from contaminated blood through unsterile injection is a well-known risk, the CDC said this is the first documentation of probable infections involving cosmetic services.

Broadbent, diagnosed at age 3, was one of the first generation of children born HIV positive, and known for raising awareness to lessen the stigma of the disease from a young age. She died Tuesday.

Mecklenburg County has one of the highest rates of HIV cases in the state and nation. Cases have leveled off recently but as free HIV testing is offered and residents are encouraged to get tested if they suspect they are infected, the numbers are predicted to rise.