JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Amid a state environment where sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a major public health issue, a national report showed that, despite progress, it is still particularly stifling in Mississippi.
Transmission of STDs has fallen nationally, including in Mississippi. Despite a 22% drop statewide between 2019 and 2023, the timeframe with the latest data, Mississippi still has among the highest numbers of those infected with STDs. In fact, ValuePenguin found that the infection rate of nearly 1% of the state’s overall population is the third highest nationally.
The website noted two main obstacles that contributed to Mississippi’s STD environment: high uninsured rates and no Medicaid expansion. The state has among the highest uninsured rates among adults. Multiple attempts by the Mississippi Legislature to expand Medicaid have failed. All plans under the Affordable Care Act include coverage for STD treatment and prevention.
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ValuePenguin’s critique is not just anecdotal. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 11,900 people are living with HIV in Mississippi. Over 17% of residents with the condition are unaware they are HIV positive. Statewide, the state has the fifth-highest diagnosis rate nationally. Over one in five people diagnosed in Mississippi do not receive HIV care within one month of their diagnosis…