The Connecticut Ending the Syndemic (ETS) Initiative was created to respond to alarming trends in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs), Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and Viral Hepatitis across the state. In order to effectively combat one of these epidemics, they all must be addressed. It is important to understand how they interact and impact one another.
Ending the Syndemic
What is a Syndemic?
A set of 2 or more overlapping epidemics connected by behaviors and conditions impacting the same people and the communities in which they live.
The Connecticut HIV Planning Consortium (CHPC) Uses a Syndemic Approach to Expand Integrated Planning
The Connecticut HIV Planning Consortium (CHPC) is a group of providers and community members who coordinate a statewide HIV prevention and care system to reduce new infections and increase access to appropriate services.
The CHPC is expanding the Integrated HIV Prevention & Care Plan to also address STI’s, SUD, and Viral Hepatitis.
HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Substance Use Disorder and Viral Hepatitis impact one another and contribute to a higher burden of disease. None of these epidemics can end without an integrated approach.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Tuberculosis, HIV, STI, and Viral Hepatitis Program are committed to working with community partners to:
- End the HIV Epidemic
- Eliminate Hepatitis C
- Reduce STIs
- Fight the Opioid/Overdose Epidemic
- End Stigma
Connecticut's Ending the Syndemic Initiative
The goal of Connecticut’s Ending the Syndemic Initiative is for all people living with HIV (PLWH), HCV, STIs, and Substance Use Disorder to have access to the prevention and care services that they need.
Connecticut’s Ending the Syndemic Initiative evolved from previous campaigns to end the HIV epidemic. The scope has been expanded to include other epidemics that directly interact with HIV.
