Comprehensive HIV Clinic Opens In Dallas County To Fight Devastating Disease

HIV infection test, analysis
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DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - Dallas County remains second in the state in the number of HIV cases and according to the numbers more than 18,000 residents could be unaware that they are even infected. 

Dr. Steven Klemow, in partnership with Methodist Dallas, launched the hospital system's first comprehensive HIV clinic.

“We’re in a crisis for providers for HIV and we’re trying to eradicate that problem in our county as well,” said Dr. Klemow, an infectious disease consultant and Medical Director of Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention. “It’s called Partner’s Clinic.”

Along with helping patients manage medications, the clinic is leading the way in new treatment and offering PrEP to those at high risk - which is a daily medication that is nearly 100% effective in preventing the infection.

“We’re located in the area that’s most affected by HIV in the county and Methodist was the first hospital to do transplantations in HIV patients,” Dr. Klemow said.

The goal of the clinic is to achieve the 90:90:90 WHO initiative to help eradicate HIV by:
  1. Testing as many patients as possible so that 90% of those living with HIV are identified. Eighteen percent of those infected aren’t aware of their diagnosis.
  2. Getting 90% of patients on treatment.
  3. Achieving “undetectable” viral loads in 90% of patients via medication because those who are maximally suppressed on medication are unable to transmit the virus to others.

According to Dallas County health and Human Services, there has been a 56% increase in infections in the last ten years.