City of Phoenix gives HIV/AIDS fund a boost as number of cases rise to highest levels since 1980s

There was a 20% percent increase in new HIV diagnoses in Arizona in 2022

PUBLISHED OCT 31, 2024

Additionally, the City of Phoenix aims to reach zero percent HIV stigma in the community.

Phoenix, Arizona: With the rise of new HIV cases in Arizona, the City of Phoenix Fast-Track Cities has made a $10,000 contribution to the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS Richard P Stahl Client Care Fund. The fund makes it possible for anyone to receive HIV services, regardless of their ability to pay.

The contribution was announced earlier this month at the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS’ Inspire event. Phoenix Fast-Track Cities was able to double their impact by encouraging a match, resulting in $20,000 raised toward the Fund. This means 200 individuals who are unable to pay for services can now be covered through the Fund and have access to potentially life-changing care.

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services , there was a 20% percent increase in new HIV diagnoses in 2022.

“This contribution will help provide wider access to testing. It is critical to know your HIV status to empower yourself to either stay negative by taking preventative steps or by getting connected to effective care options if you test positive for HIV,” said Vice Mayor Debra Stark, co-chair of the Phoenix Fast-Track Cities Ad Hoc Committee. “Help is available, and the only HIV status you should fear is the unknown.”

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services HIV Surveillance 2023 Report, there was a 20% percent increase in new HIV diagnoses in 2022, marking the highest levels since the late 1980s. By the end of 2022, approximately 19,894 individuals were living with HIV/AIDS in the state. Contributing factors include a post-pandemic surge in testing, which jumped by 19% in 2022.

Particularly affected groups include Hispanic and African American communities, which have seen disproportionate increases in new cases. Prevention efforts, such as the use of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), remain underutilized, despite their effectiveness.

As part of the Fast-Track Cities global initiative, the City of Phoenix has the goal to end the HIV epidemic by the year 2030. To meet this goal, the City, along with partner organizations, are working toward these benchmarks:

95 percent of people who are living with HIV (PLHIV) knowing their status

95 percent of PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART)

95 percent of PLHIV on ART achieving viral suppression

Additionally, the City of Phoenix aims to reach zero percent HIV stigma in the community by encouraging honest conversations about sexual health, prevention and testing, and retention in care to reach an undetectable and untransmittable status.

“Knowledge empowers us to protect ourselves and others. With this contribution, more people will have access to options to take control of their sexual health through prevention, testing, and care,” said Councilwoman Laura Pastor, co-chair of the Phoenix Fast-Track Cities Ad Hoc Committee. “HIV does not discriminate, and any one of us could be affected.”