Using Resource Allocation Modeling to Inform HIV Prevention Priority Setting for Baltimore-Towson, Maryland

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy

Background:

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) initiated the Enhanced Comprehensive HIV Prevention Planning program in 2010.
• This initiative targeted 12 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with severe HIV epidemics.
• The goal was to align local HIV prevention plans with the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) and optimize prevention services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a partnership between the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (JHSPH).
• To utilize mathematical modeling and economic analyses for local HIV prevention planning in the Baltimore-Towson MSA.
• To inform resource allocation and intervention design for reducing new HIV infections.

Main Methods:

• Mathematical modeling and economic analyses were employed.
• An analytic partnership was established between a state health department and an academic institution.
• Results were discussed with key stakeholders to inform priority setting.

Main Results:

• The study outlines the process of building and implementing the analytic partnership.
• Findings from the modeling and analyses were used to guide local priority setting for HIV prevention.
• The collaboration demonstrated the utility of policy modeling in addressing public health challenges.

Conclusions:

• Health departments, academia, and community partners can effectively collaborate using policy modeling.
• This approach can improve resource allocation for HIV prevention efforts.
• Joint efforts can lead to better strategies for addressing urgent public health challenges like HIV/AIDS.