An Emory University study released this week puts a specific number on what HIV treatment has meant for Georgia. Infectious disease epidemiologist Dr. Patrick Sullivan compared HIV data from 1987 to 2023 against a hypothetical scenario without antiretroviral therapy, and the numbers are stark. Georgia saved an estimated $107.2 billion across 25 years.
The savings came largely from improved life expectancy for people living with HIV, which meant fewer people left the workforce early or relied on public assistance. For every dollar invested in treatment, Georgia got $3.40 back to its public sector. The study also found that an estimated 57,885 new HIV cases and 36,921 HIV-related deaths were prevented since 1987 in Georgia alone.
The right thing to do medically, the right thing to do ethically, and the right thing to do financially, if that's a primary concern, is to take care of people's health and have our fellow Georgians be healthy, Sullivan told Georgia Voice. The study lands as lawmakers finalize the fiscal year 2027 budget, giving them a real dollar figure to weigh.
