Memphis, TN, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Shelby County is facing a disturbing increase in new HIV infections, with an 18% rise reported during the End HIV 901 campaign’s first three years. The campaign, aimed at eliminating new infections, has seen particularly alarming trends among youth aged 15 to 24, where infections surged by 50%. Despite ongoing efforts, including free online testing and condom distribution, funding issues and bureaucratic challenges hinder progress. Health leaders stress the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures to address these rising statistics.
New HIV Infections Reveal Alarming Trends in Shelby County Amid Ongoing Prevention Efforts
Memphis, Shelby County is witnessing a troubling surge in new HIV infections, with a reported increase of 18% during the first three years of the End HIV 901 campaign. This three-year initiative aims to eliminate new infections, but early data shows that it is falling short of its objectives.
The End HIV 901 campaign, which provides free online HIV testing and distributes condoms, is supported by 25 organizations, led by St. Jude Childrenโs Research Hospital. Despite these ongoing efforts, local health officials have admitted that the initiative is far from achieving the federal goal of reducing new infections by 90% by the year 2030.
Among the most concerning trends is a 50% increase in HIV infections among individuals aged 15 to 24. This demographic is particularly vulnerable, and health leaders are emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions about HIV and sexual health.
To address these alarming trends, St. Jude is planning to enroll volunteers aged 16 to 24 for global research on longer-acting PrEP, a medication designed to prevent HIV transmission. Additionally, Le Bonheur Childrenโs Hospital is considering reinstating routine HIV testing for patients over 13 years old in its emergency department.
A pilot project has already mailed out 1,391 free in-home HIV tests to individuals who requested them online, showing a proactive approach to tackling the rising rates. Furthermore, the Shelby County Health Department continues its condom distribution initiatives, funded through the Ryan White CARE Act.
However, funding issues are complicating efforts. Shelby County recently lost $3 million in federal HIV prevention funds due to bureaucratic hurdles. Local health officials attribute this loss to staffing shortages and delays in contract execution, which ultimately hinders outreach efforts to high-risk communities, particularly within the LGBTQ network.
In 2021, 50.9% of new HIV infections in Shelby County were among Black individuals, with 17.5% being Hispanic, 7.8% non-Hispanic whites, and 16.7% from other racial backgrounds. Of the new infections, 41% were transmitted through male-to-male sexual contact, 3% through heterosexual contact, and 2% via drug injection, while the transmission routes for the remaining 52% were not reported.
The number of people living with HIV in Shelby County has risen from 6,349 in 2017 to 6,954 in 2021. The number of annual new infections has also increased, from 258 in 2017 to 352 in 2023, raising significant alarm among health leaders.
Despite these increases, there are some hopeful signs. In 2022, approximately 64.5% of newly diagnosed individuals received medical treatment within a month of their diagnosis. Moreover, 64.7% of people living with HIV had achieved undetectable or low viral loads, significantly reducing the risk of transmission.
As of 2022, 18.1% of individuals aged 16 and older had been prescribed daily PrEP, with a target set at 50% by 2025. Community events and outreach programs are being implemented to destigmatize HIV and educate the public about preventive measures. There is also a push for mobile health units to provide testing and educational sessions in underserved communities.
Overall, the pressing need for awareness around HIV is emphasized, especially in light of the rising infection rates among youth. Health leaders firmly believe that without candid conversations about HIV and sexual health, the trajectory of new infections will continue to climb.
FAQ
- What is the End HIV 901 campaign?
- The End HIV 901 campaign is a local initiative aimed at reducing new HIV infections in Shelby County through various outreach efforts, including free online HIV testing and condom distribution.
- What has been the trend in new HIV infections in Shelby County recently?
- New HIV infections in Shelby County increased by 18% during the first three years of the End HIV 901 campaign, with a notable rise among the youth demographic.
- How is the community responding to the rising HIV infection rates?
- Health leaders are ramping up awareness campaigns, engaging community organizations, and introducing new programs like mobile health units to provide testing and education in underserved areas.
- What has contributed to the funding issues faced by local health initiatives?
- Bureaucratic challenges have resulted in a loss of federal funding, impacting outreach programs aimed at high-risk communities.
Key Features of Current HIV Trends in Shelby County
| Feature | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Increase in new HIV infections (2017-2023) | From 258 to 352 annually |
| Percentage increase in 15-24 age group | 50% |
| Percentage of new infections among Black individuals (2021) | 50.9% |
| Pediatricians encouraged to discuss HIV testing | Yes |
| Individuals receiving treatment within a month (2022) | 64.5% |
| Target for daily PrEP prescriptions by 2025 | 50% |
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Additional Resources
- MLK50: Despite an ongoing effort, HIV infections have gotten higher in Memphis
- Action News 5: Friends all celebrating 40 years fighting against HIV/AIDS in Memphis
- Tennessee Lookout: Shelby County a hotspot for HIV forfeited $3M in federal HIV funding
- WREG: New HIV infections for 15-24 year olds up 50 percent in Shelby County
- Fox 13 Memphis: Mississippi leads nation in STI rates; Memphis nonprofit launches new prevention tools
- Wikipedia: HIV/AIDS
- Google Search: HIV statistics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: HIV
- Google Scholar: HIV prevention strategies
- Google News: HIV trends in Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
