Last updated: October 2024

Author: HIV/STD/Hepatitis program, Vermont Department of Health

As of the most recent CY 2023 data, the majority (94%) of Vermonters living with HIV disease with evidence of a medical visit in the past 12 months, have a suppressed viral load. This indicates that the programs we support, to assist PLWH in overcoming barriers to appropriate treatment, have reduced HIV viral loads among this population. Individuals who remain in care and are adherent to their HIV treatment regimens are healthier than those who are not engaged. As individual viral loads are suppressed and sustained as undetectable, the community-wide viral load decreases, reducing the risk of new HIV infections.

As individual viral loads are suppressed and sustained as undetectable, the community-wide viral load decreases, reducing the risk of new HIV infections.

University of Vermont Medical Center – Comprehensive Care Clinic

AIDS Service Organizations

People Living with HIV Infection (Patients)

Medical Providers

Research has shown that people living with HIV who take related medications as prescribed and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting the virus to their HIV-negative sexual partners. It also greatly improves health outcomes for the person living with the virus. This convergence of improved health outcomes and prevention through treatment has turned our attention toward ensuring PLWH achieve and maintain viral suppression.

Presently, there is no cure for HIV, therefore treatment is an on-going process. The Health Department supports systems of case management (Medical and Non-medical venue-based) that help Vermonters with HIV overcome barriers to care access. We will continue to monitor PLWHs’ medical visit frequency through performance-based accountability measures in place through grants with our HIV medical and support services partners. We will continue to monitor the viral load suppression rates for Vermont as a whole. The Health Department is committed to maintaining at least 90% viral suppression rate.

CDC: Let's Stop HIV Together

The Health Department will continue to invest in Out-Patient Ambulatory Medical Care funding (pays for doctor visit and lab work) to the University of Vermont Medical Center where approximately 75% of Vermonters living with HIV infection are receiving their care. The Health Department will also continue to invest in Medical Transportation, Medical Case Management (including treatment adherence) and non-Medical Case Management funding to AIDS Service Organizations and UVM MC to assist individuals with getting to their medical appointments.