The road to zero: Rhode Island's 40-year journey through the HIV/AIDS crisis isn't over
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Despite Rhode Island's proximity to larger cities like Boston and New York, the first confirmed cases of AIDS did not arrive here until 1983. As numbers climbed, so did the anxiety. Calls to the Rhode Island Department of Health surged as residents demanded answers. But at the time, even doctors and public health officials had little understanding of the disease, leaving communities desperate for information and resources.
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Initially called 'Gay Related Immune Deficiency' or 'GRID,' many believed this to be an issue only for gay people. Misinformation thrived, fueled by fear and prejudice. The early association of AIDS with intravenous drug use and homosexuality led many to distance themselves from the crisis, creating a culture where simply talking about AIDS was seen as incriminating. For those living with or at risk of contracting the virus, this silence was deadly. Without widespread education and awareness, Rhode Islanders lacked the knowledge to protect themselves or seek testing and care.
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Meanwhile, the epidemic escalated across the country. By 1989, AIDS had become the second leading cause of death among men aged 25 to 44 in the United States. By 1990, more than 100,000 Americans had died from complications related to AIDS. Those affected faced profound discrimination, with
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The past four decades have seen remarkable progress. The introduction of antiretroviral therapy in the mid-1990s transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. Today, 1.2 million people in the United States are living with HIV, and annual new infections have dropped to about 31,800. Pre-exposure prophylaxis – or 'PrEP' – has provided an additional layer of protection, offering near-total prevention when taken consistently.
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Despite these advancements, the fight is far from over. In Rhode Island, 2,796 people are living with HIV. When we consider those living with HIV or not yet diagnosed, that number climbs to over 3,000. Disparities in care also persist. Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities continue to experience higher rates of
We have the tools to bring new infections to zero. We know how to prevent the spread of HIV, and we know how to ensure that those living with the virus receive the care they need to lead full, healthy lives. But knowledge alone is not enough. Continued funding is critical to expanding awareness, improving access to prevention, and ensuring that every person — regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status — has the resources to live without the burden of stigma and fear.
The next phase of this fight isn't just about treatment — it's about elimination. If we commit the necessary resources now, we can write the final chapter in the history of HIV.
David Martins is the director of AIDS Project Rhode Island in Providence.
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