Metro Atlanta ranked third-highest in new HIV diagnoses, experts believe infection rate continues to rise

The Metro Atlanta area ranks third in new HIV diagnoses in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Memphis and Miami were the only cities that ranked higher.

This latest find is based on the Atlanta-based CDC’s most recent data which dates back to 2021. But officials believe the infection rate in the region has since continued on an upward trend.

Nicole Roebuck, executive director of AID Atlanta, sat down with WABE’s “Morning Edition” to discuss why the metro ranks so poorly, how the use of PREP is essential in cutting the HIV infection rate in Atlanta and how stigma still persists in preventing those at risk from seeking this form of treatment.