The Chicago Sun Times reports that:
“HIV infections are on the rise in Chicago after about two decades of decline, growing 29% between 2022 and 2024. AIDS cases are also up slightly. In 2024, there were 818 new HIV cases — and nearly half were among Latinos…”
Possible reasons may include a change in migration patterns and the aftermath of COVID-19. There has been a backlash against diversity and equity efforts, with funding cuts.
However we note the word “PrEP” appears in the article five times, while condoms aren’t mentioned once. We did a bit research and found that the annual cost of providing PrEP, including medication, laboratory tests and clinic visits, is $1,653 – $1,941 per year, according to a survey which looked at two health centres in Chicago and Washington DC.
Condoms cost 3 to 5 cents each. That’s a year’s supply for less than $37, assuming a generous two condoms a day. And no lab tests or clinic visits are needed in connection with condoms.
And, yes, perhaps condoms won’t be right for everyone, but isn’t it terrible that this inexpensive method of preventing HIV isn’t mentioned in the article?