Rapid Start Can Improve Individual and Public Health

OF THE ROUGHLY 1.1 MILLION PEOPLE WITH HIV IN U.S., about 86% have been diagnosed with HIV and 64% are virally suppressed. As we work to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S., studying the HIV care continuum shows where more focused attention is needed as we strive to reduce new infections. The initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible after the diagnosis of HIV infection, known as Rapid Start, is critical to getting people with HIV from diagnosis to sustained viral suppression. In 2019, the Department of Health and Human Services updated its ART guidelines endorsing Rapid Start for newly diagnosed people with HIV, and those re-engaging in care.

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