U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Resources and Services Administration Initiatives to Address Disparate Rates of HIV Infection in the South

The US South accounted for 51% of annual new HIV infections, 50% of undiagnosed infections and 45% of persons with HIV infection in 2016 while comprising 38% of the population. Myriad structural and contextual factors are associated with HIV-related disparities. This paper describes initiatives and strategies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Resources and Services Administration to identify opportunities and activities addressing the disparity of HIV diagnoses in the South. Targeted HIV prevention and care efforts can change the trajectory of outcomes along the HIV care continuum and reduce HIV-related disparities in the South.