The impact of HIV among Hispanic Texans: Trends and inequities
Despite the strides made in HIV prevention and care in the U.S., the battle against the epidemic is far from over. The past 15 years have seen a concerning trend, with HIV diagnoses among Hispanic Texans either remaining stagnant or increasing across most counties. In 2023, Hispanic Texans accounted for more than half of the cases in Texas.
Early diagnosis is essential for preventing opportunistic infections, improving health outcomes, and reducing HIV transmission. Late HIV diagnoses (stage 3) often reflect systemic challenges, including poverty, restrictive health policies, health workforce shortages, and underfunded supportive services. More than one in five HIV diagnoses among Hispanic Texans in 2022 (22.3%) were late.
There is great variation in diagnosis, linkage-to-care, receipt of care, and viral suppression across Texas counties. Achieving the 2030 goal of 95% viral suppression requires addressing regional barriers to meet the complex health and socioeconomic needs of PLWH along the continuum of care. Improved healthcare access, tailored education, integrated behavioral healthcare, targeted funding, and enhancement of local health infrastructures can significantly reduce these variations and bring hope for healthier communities across Texas.
Our 2024 Texas HIV update
