With public health experts laser-focused on clamping down COVID-19 infections, the nation's ongoing HIV epidemic has faded into the background. Now, some experts are voicing concern that a silent HIV outbreak may be brewing. “What we are seeing reminds us of the 80s and I am worried that the pandemic
With public health experts laser-focused on clamping down COVID-19 infections, the nation's ongoing HIV epidemic has faded into the background. Now, some experts are voicing concern that a silent HIV outbreak may be brewing.
Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic raging, many cities and local health departments have diverted personnel and resources to combatting the current pandemic. That means needle exchange programs have shut down, and many free HIV clinics have closed their doors. The ability to get syringes to those who need them has always been a challenge because of the lack of resources and stigma associated with drug use, said Sheila Vakharia, the deputy director in the department of research and academic engagement at the Drug Policy Alliance.
Although politically controversial, studies show that needle exchange programs can dramatically decrease the transmission of HIV. “Under a public health emergency like COVID-19, over the past month we have seen a significant drop-off in people's ability to stay connected to us because we're not allowed to provide the wraparound services that have made us successful,” said Clay. “Under these circumstances, it's frustrating and it means people are going to die. And that's a really heavy thing to think about.”
Mail orders are being used to provide needles and syringes. Next Pro is an organization that mails syringes to people in need to provide the freedom of accessibility, but this won't help people who are homeless.
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