About the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. Initiative

EHE increases the nation’s investment in proven HIV prevention tools and newer innovative technologies and programs, while ensuring they reach the communities and populations most affected by HIV. EHE also complements the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, which provides a roadmap for a whole-of-society response to ending the HIV epidemic and reducing HIV-related disparities and health inequities.

Approach

EHE is rooted in equity and focused on implementing community-specific strategies, due to the critical role community-based organizations continue to play in providing HIV services to people who need them. A portion of recipient funding must support activities implemented by community-based organizations. Each health department that receives EHE funding is required to develop a unique implementation plan for their jurisdiction that includes community-driven, locally tailored, and equity-centered solutions for reducing HIV transmissions. These plans require that recipients develop strategies that promote health equity and programs that consider social determinants of health. CDC encourages the adoption of status neutral approaches that offer HIV prevention and treatment as part of comprehensive care, which include the provision of culturally affirming, holistic, and stigma-free services.

Jurisdictions

Stopping HIV transmission starts at the local level, which is why EHE provides resources to 50 local areas where more than half of new HIV diagnoses occur (48 counties; Washington, D.C.; and San Juan, Puerto Rico) and seven states with a substantial rural burden.

CDC funds and closely collaborates with these communities to accelerate progress by identifying and implementing innovative methods for delivering HIV prevention and care, building local infectious disease control capacity, and scaling up high-impact activities in areas hardest hit by HIV.

* 2016-2017 data was used to identify these jurisdictions.
** States where 10% or more of new diagnoses in 2016 and 2017 were in rural areas (less than 50,000 population); at least 75 total new diagnoses statewide; and the state did not have a priority county.