The Whitsdom Press

Tag: HIV

  • The Truth About STD Rates in Houston

    THE STD AND HIV RATE IN HOUSTON IS AS HIGH AS RENT RIGHT NOW!

    Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV and AIDS, remain a major health concern in Houston. Harris County consistently reports rates higher than the Texas and national averages. This article breaks down the facts in simple, clear language. We are busting myths and dropping strong stats.

    How Bad Is the STD Situation in Houston?

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health reports, Houston ranks among the top U.S. cities for STD rates. Harris County, which includes Houston, has consistently reported:

    • Chlamydia: Over 40,000 cases reported in 2022.
    • Gonorrhea: Over 14,000 cases in 2022.
    • Syphilis: Around 3,000 cases reported in 2022, with sharp increases in congenital syphilis (passed from mother to baby).
    • HIV: Nearly 739 new diagnoses in 2022, higher than most Texas counties.

    For comparison, the rate of chlamydia in Houston is about 1.5 times higher than the Texas state average. The rate of gonorrhea is almost double the national average.

    đź“Š Up-to-Date HIV & AIDS Numbers in Houston

    According to the Houston Eligible Metropolitan Area data for 2022:

    • 1,413 new HIV diagnoses were reported in the Houston area in 2022. This is a 5% increase from 2021. Of these diagnoses, 90% were residents of Houston/Harris County.
    • 1,277 of these diagnoses were confirmed in Harris County specifically—that is a rate of 26.4 new HIV cases per 100,000 people
    • There were 287 new AIDS diagnoses (stage-3 HIV) in 2022 in Harris County, a rate of 5.9 per 100,000
    • By the end of 2022, approximately 33,397 people were living with HIV (PLWH) in the Houston EMA—about 30,425 of them in Harris County, with a prevalence rate of 630 per 100,000 residents
    • In comparison, the national rate of new HIV diagnoses is around 13 per 100,000, so Houston/Harris County has more than double that rate
    • Source: Houston Health Department’s 2024 Epidemiologic Supplement for HIV Prevention and Care Services Planning Report

    Note: the current population in Houston is 2.39 million as of 2024.

    Here’s a heat-map-style image showing ZIP codes in Harris County (Houston) with the highest rates of HIV and other STIs. Darker areas highlight neighborhoods like 77002 (Downtown), 77006 (Montrose), 77021 (Southeast Houston), and 77026 (Kashmere Gardens)—regions with the most elevated infection rates. Source: KPRC Click2Houston

    Why Are Rates Rising?

    Several reasons contribute to Houston’s high STD rates:

    • Lack of regular testing – Many people don’t know they are infected. During COVID, many people missed checkups, so infections went undetected.
    • Stigma and fear – Some avoid clinics because they are embarrassed.
    • Limited access to healthcare – Not everyone has affordable care.
    • Rapid population growth – More people, more risk of spread.

    🔍 What Are Common Myths About HIV & STDs?

    Myth #1: “HIV is always obvious or shows early symptoms.”
    👉 In reality, many people living with HIV don’t feel or look sick for years.

    Myth #2: “Only certain races or groups get HIV.”
    👉 Everyone is at risk. In Houston, Hispanic/Latinx and Black communities are most affected, but HIV impacts all groups

    Myth #3: “Getting tested is embarrassing or unnecessary.”
    👉 Testing is confidential, often free, and the best way to find infection early—even before you have symptoms.

    Myth #4: “If I take PrEP, I don’t need to worry.”
    👉 PrEP helps prevent HIV but doesn’t protect against other STDs like syphilis or chlamydia. Regular testing is still important.

    âś… Prevention & Public Health Efforts

    • Free or low-cost testing available through Houston Health Department, Harris County Public Health, and Legacy Community Health.
    • Mobile clinics and outreach in high-risk ZIP codes (e.g. Sunnyside, Fifth Ward, South Park) help reach underserved communities
    • Services offered include PrEP, DoxyPEP, Rapid Start ART, and prenatal HIV care (risk of mother-to-child transmission reduced to under 1%
    • Rates of care retention and viral suppression: Under 77% of HIV-positive people receive some care, 55% stay in care, and 62% achieve viral suppression (undetectable and can’t pass to another person)

    Final Takeaway

    Houston has twice the U.S. average rate of new HIV diagnoses. Please get tested regularly, use protection, and know your options for treatment and prevention so you can stay safe. Stop playing with your lives out here.

    🗣️📢BRING BACK SEX EDUCATION SINCE WE ARE BRINGING BACK THE BIBLE INTO SCHOOLS!

    Watch this video below FOR AWARENESS.

    Check out this video compilation of TikTok videos about Houston’s STD problem from YouTube channel @whatitlooklike_tv

  • Khadijah’s Journey: Betrayal, Awareness, and Resilience

    A story of betrayal, resilience, and advocacy emerges in a recent video featuring Khadijah, also known as KD. She bravely shares her journey of being diagnosed with HIV, not for sympathy, but to foster healing, awareness, and to champion the cause of others.

    A Devastating Betrayal and a Life-Changing Diagnosis

    Khadijah’s story is one of profound betrayal. She recounts how a friend introduced her to a man without disclosing his HIV-positive status. An act of trust turned into a life-altering event, as she engaged in unprotected sex, oblivious to the risk. The following months were filled with anxiety and confusing symptoms; swollen lymph nodes, fever, and night sweats led her to research her symptoms, which pointed towards HIV. While an initial test in January was non-reactive, a confirmatory test in May revealed a staggering viral load of 726,000.

    The Emotional Aftermath and the Power of Support

    The diagnosis was a heavy blow, leaving Khadijah feeling like a failure and fearing judgment. However, her family’s unwavering support became her anchor in this turbulent time. She candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster of anger, denial, and the trauma of betrayal that accompanied her diagnosis. Her story is a poignant reminder of the mental and emotional toll that HIV can take on an individual.

    From Personal Struggle to Public Advocacy

    Khadijah is determined to turn her personal struggle into a platform for advocacy. Her mission is to dismantle the stigma surrounding HIV, shed light on how betrayal and silence can have devastating consequences, and empower others to know their rights and protect their health. She is on a path to healing, not just for herself, but for her community. Currently on medication, her viral load has seen a significant decrease, a testament to her resilience and commitment to her health. Despite the challenges, she remains steadfast in her dream of becoming a nurse and living a life full of purpose.

    A Journey to Inspire Action, Especially in Texas

    Khadijah plans to document her journey through vlogs, sharing her workouts, meal preps, and daily life to showcase her progress and continue her advocacy. The words of encouragement from the host of the platform, and other panelists commend her courage, highlighting that her story is a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.

    Her story is more than just a personal account; it is a vital public health message, especially right here in Texas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, our state consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for new HIV diagnoses, with thousands of new cases each year. Metropolitan areas like Houston are at the epicenter of this ongoing crisis. Along with the TXDHS, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) says HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the immune system and, if untreated, can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This reality makes Khadijah’s mission to promote awareness and dismantle stigma not just important, but urgent for our communities.

    She was very brave telling her story on her friend’s platform; turning her message into meaningful action. I encourage everyone to commit to regular testing, engage in open and honest conversations about sexual health, and support the local organizations on the front lines of HIV education and care. By embracing her call to action, we can help build a future rooted in health, compassion, and hope.