LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As part of World AIDS Day in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has launched a statewide campaign encouraging Michigan residents to be aware of the statistics surrounding HIV in Michigan.
According to MDHHS, early detection, intervention and treatment can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 93 percent. That is why Michigan residents are encouraged to learn how they can “change the numbers and change the future” through a new advertising campaign.
The campaign, which is running through March 2021, includes TV, radio and mobile, along with popular platforms including YouTube, Hulu, Facebook, Snapchat and Spotify. Additional advertising tactics include posters in bars, transit ads and ads in LGBTQ publications.
It is estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV.
In Michigan, roughly 1 in 8 people are unaware of their HIV status. While the number of new HIV cases and deaths in the state have leveled off over the years, the number of people living with HIV continues to rise. MDHHS recommends Michiganders get tested to learn their HIV status.
“With medication, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives,” chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a statement. “It is important that we continue to work to prevent the spread of the disease and that everyone knows their status.”
MDHHS encourages people currently living with HIV and people at higher risk of HIV exposure to consider prevention and treatment methods. For Michiganders who may be at a higher risk of HIV exposure there are options for prevention. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a medication that can be taken to reduce the chance of getting HIV if a person is exposed.
Medical evidence has shown that people living with HIV who are on effective treatment cannot pass HIV to partners through sex.
Find testing locations and other resources at Michigan.gov/HIVSTD.
