Effective HIV prevention interventions have been proven to reduce HIV transmission. People who get tested for HIV and learn that they are infected can make significant behavior changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to their sex or drug-using partners. Recent scientific advances have demonstrated that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) not only preserves the health of people living with HIV but also reduces their risk of transmitting HIV to others.¹

HIV continues to be an epidemic in New Jersey.  New Jersey has one of the highest estimated proportions of women living with HIV in the United States. Of new cases diagnosed in 2021 with a documented exposure category, over 90% of cases reported sexual contact as the mode of exposure to the HIV infection.  The proportion of persons exposed through injection drug use (IDU) is lower than in the past.

The mission of the Department's Division of HIV, STD, and TB Services (DHSTS) is to prevent and reduce the spread of HIV, STDs, and TB and to ensure that those infected and at risk of infection have access to the care they need. The DHSTS provides HIV counseling at local testing sites, administers the Rapid HIV Testing Program which is used to diagnose patients, and administers the AIDS Drug Distribution Program (ADDP) which provides life supporting and life sustaining medications. Free, confidential testing and treatment for STDs is made available throughout the state as well.

The Department has implemented a harm reduction program with the goal of stopping the spread of injection-related diseases through prevention programs including increasing access to supplies and providing necessary referrals to support services.

Final Assessment

Four of the five HIV/AIDS targets were achieved by 2020.

For more information, please refer to these resources:

• NJDOH Division of HIV, STD, and TB Services
• CDC Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention
• HIV.gov
• Healthy People 2020

Reference:

1. HIV. Healthy People 2020. 10/8/20.