Private MD News

Health experts stress prevention in battle against HIV

Category: HIV

While fewer people are dying from HIV than ever before, the cost of treating the illness is rising, which puts a tremendous emphasis on prevention, according to a recent presentation by one expert at the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. HIV testing is largely considered to be one of the most effective means of preventing the spread of the disease.

Dr. Allen Williams said that HIV treatments have improved significantly over the past few decades, according to the Daily Health Report. Those with the disease can now expect to live for several years after diagnosis.

However, the cost of these treatments has grown tremendously. He said that one month of medications can cost as much as $10,000. Therefore, he said that public health officials should be stressing prevention above all else.

Williams said that HIV is primarily spread through unsafe sexual practices, according to the news source. Using a condom can help prevent most cases.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that HIV testing is the most effective way to stop the spread of the disease on a population-wide scale.