Historically, HIV services have been divided into two distinct pathways: prevention for people with non-reactive HIV tests and treatment for those with reactive results. Often, additional services like primary care and housing support have been more readily accessible to people receiving treatment.

Today, a transformative concept is reshaping how we approach HIV prevention and care: the status-neutral approach. This innovative framework has the potential to revolutionize HIV services, improve patient outcomes, and foster more significant equity in healthcare delivery.

At its core, the status-neutral approach places the person—not their HIV status—at the center of care. Regardless of test results, all people are offered effective prevention or treatment options and connected with comprehensive support services tailored to their unique needs.

In the status-neutral framework, every interaction and service is ultimately part of prevention, fostering a system that supports people living with HIV and those at risk for acquiring it.

Here’s how healthcare professionals and clinical staff can adopt this approach:

Expand the conversation beyond disease prevention and treatment. Encourage patients to explore various ways to care for their bodies, minds, and spirits, incorporating both medical interventions and broader wellness strategies.

1 Take a Person-Centered Perspective: Assess each patient’s needs holistically, considering their health, social, and emotional well-being. Navigate patients to the appropriate local resources and services based on these needs.

2 Normalize HIV Testing & Conversations: Make HIV testing a routine part of care and openly discuss prevention and treatment options. Normalize these discussions to reduce stigma and encourage patients to seek the care they need without hesitation..

3 Focus on Health & Well-Being: If a caregiver or anyone else is present, ask them to leave for a portion of the visit, just as you would during an in-person visit.

4 Identify Comprehensive Service Networks: Build partnerships with local organizations to ensure patients can access housing support, income stabilization, education, and job training.

5 Ensure Services Are Universally Available: Commit to providing comprehensive services to all patients, regardless of their HIV status, ensuring no one is excluded from the care and support they need.

Transitioning to a status-neutral model requires a shift in mindset and practices, but the results are well worth the effort.