Opinion: New cases of HIV on the decline in Hamilton County. Here's why

While the COVID-19 pandemic has consumed the lion’s share of health coverage, a breakthrough in treating another troublesome disease missed receiving some attention. As our region saw a nearly 20% increase in new cases of HIV during 2020-21, Hamilton County cases actually declined. Even more interesting, cases declined among people who inject drugs, one of the highest risk groups for contracting HIV.

While more study is needed, this decline demonstrates that further support is needed for harm reduction services that provide clean injection equipment. Operated at Hamilton County Public Health since 2018, the harm reduction syringe services program has developed into a widely recognized, comprehensive program for those with substance use disorder. Sterile injection equipment prevents the spread of bloodborne infections such as HIV, while counseling and preventive services provide people opportunities to work through substance use disorder and reduce exposure to peripheral diseases.

Ohio has recognized Hamilton County’s success in working to prevent new HIV infections. Aside from the regional HIV prevention grant held since 2012, Hamilton County Public Health has been awarded additional funding to eliminate the HIV epidemic. It is our intention to use this funding to expand our efforts to better diagnose new cases, engage newly identified individuals in treatment, prevent new infections and respond to HIV outbreaks.

Greg Kesterman is Hamilton County Health Commissioner.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Opinion: How clean needles caused new HIV cases to fall