MDHHS releases plan to reduce new HIV infections 90 percent by 2030, advance health equity

LANSING, Mich. ─ The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) released its comprehensive plan today to reduce new HIV infections and advance health equity by implementing new approaches and scaling up proven prevention and treatment strategies. The plan aims to reduce new HIV infections by 90% by 2030.

Ending HIV Together: Michigan's Equitable Plan is being announced as part of the department's recognition of World AIDS Day. This year's World AIDS Day theme, "Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress," underscores the importance of MDHHS's ongoing efforts and new approaches to end HIV together.

"Stopping new HIV infections and ensuring people living with HIV have access to the best possible care is attainable with the right resources, increased diagnoses and proven treatment strategies," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "We must also work to reduce HIV-related stigma, which continues to create barriers to receiving support. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life, free from shame and with access to the care they need."

The plan's key goals:

• Increase the number of people tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections statewide.
• Increase retention of people with HIV receiving ongoing care.
• Increase PrEP referrals among eligible people who test negative for HIV.
• Increase capacity and implementation of activities for detecting and responding to HIV networks and outbreaks.

HIV continues to be a major global and local public health issue. In Michigan, 696 people were diagnosed with HIV in 2023 and 18,437 people were living with HIV at the end of 2023. MDHHS's plan, developed with four years of community engagement and input sessions, aligns with national and global initiatives to end the HIV epidemic, reinforcing the state's commitment to address the disparities that persist in health care access and outcomes for HIV.

"It was critically important to take a collaborative approach to develop this plan and ensure the voices of those affected by HIV were at the heart of our strategy," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. "We also sought the expertise of public health leaders to inform how we go about ending new HIV infections and improving care."

"As we commemorate the 36^th annual World AIDS Day, I applaud the release of the Ending HIV Together: Michigan's Equitable Plan. In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, local health departments provide HIV prevention, testing and care services that are centered in advancing health equity for all community residents," said Jimena Loveluck, Washtenaw County Health Department health officer. "We have worked for years to reduce HIV stigma and increase the availability and accessibility of prevention and treatment, and we are ready to strengthen our collaborative work, significantly reduce new infections and keep those affected by HIV centered in our efforts. "

"Michigan's Equitable Plan shows a tremendous commitment towards eliminating stigma around HIV, improving the health of those living with the virus and advancing proven strategies to reduce new infections," said Teresa Roscoe, chief operating officer, Corktown Health. "We commend Governor Whitmer and MDHHS for taking these important steps to improve the lives of Michigan residents and decrease health disparities in our communities."

"WSU Adult HIV Program is proud to be a partner in MDHHS's plan," said Dr. Gretchen Snoeyenbos Newman, director of Wayne State University Adult HIV Program and assistant professor. "Ending the HIV epidemic will only occur when we combine prevention and treatment efforts and break down silos of care and end stigma. This plan, rooted in collaboration and equity, does that."

For more information on the plan and how to access services, please visit Michigan.gov/EndHIV.

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