Ohio State Health and Discovery reported on May 5 that significant progress has been made in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV. The organization outlined recent developments that have led to longer life expectancy for people living with the virus.
The report comes as efforts continue globally to eliminate HIV. Ohio State Health and Discovery said it is important to share facts about how far prevention and treatment have come. The organization focuses on addressing societal issues such as health equity and substance use to promote inclusive well-being, according to the official website.
Recent advances include medications like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which can prevent infection among high-risk individuals. Long-acting injectable forms of PrEP are now available alongside daily pills, making adherence easier for many patients. Emergency medical treatments known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can also reduce the risk of infection if started within 72 hours after potential exposure.
Antiretroviral drugs have improved over time, allowing most people with HIV who are in treatment to suppress the virus completely and preserve their immune systems. This has led to a steady increase in life expectancy for those diagnosed with HIV. As a result, more than half of Americans living with diagnosed HIV are age 50 or older, according to data cited by Ohio State Health and Discovery.
The organization operates hospitals and outpatient facilities as part of its academic medical center, according to the official website. It seeks to advance health through research innovations, education programs, patient care improvements, and community involvement efforts both in Ohio and worldwide.
Ohio State Health and Discovery offers resources on wellness topics, research advances, community health initiatives, healthcare delivery improvements, research activities, educational opportunities—all aimed at improving health outcomes locally and globally according to its official website.
