Federal health officials are preparing to study the “test and treat” strategy in an effort to curb the spread of HIV in high-incidence communities, the New York Times reports. The three-year study will focus on Washington, D.C., where as many as 5% of adults are HIV-positive, and the Bronx, which has the highest rate of AIDS-related deaths of any New York City borough. Both communities have some of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the U.S. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, 20% to 25% of people in the U.S. are unaware of their HIV-positive status. CDC recommends voluntary HIV testing as part of regular medical care for people ages 13 to 64, but experts say that many hospitals, clinics and medical practices are not following the recommendations.

According to the Times, the test and treat strategy involves routinely testing nearly every adult in a community and immediately beginning treatment for those found to be HIV-positive. The goal of the study’s first phase is not to determine if the strategy can slow an epidemic, but rather if it can be carried out effectively given the number of barriers to HIV testing and treatment, the officials said. For example, only about 50% of Washington, D.C., residents who tested HIV-positive in 2006 saw a physician about the diagnosis within six months (Okie, New York Times, 10/27).

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