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HIV Infection Rates Stabilize Overall but Rise Among Young, Black MSMBy Candace Y.A. Montague August 3, 2011
The Center for Disease Control published data yesterday that revealed a stabilization in the HIV infection rates in the US overall. Over the past four years (2006-2009) the average number of HIV infection rates in the country has hovered around 50,000 per year. However, the infection rates remain disproportionately high for African-Americans coming in at 44 percent in 2009. What is even more disparaging is that young, African-American men who have sex with men (MSM) ages 13-29 are the leading subgroup of infections. Their rates have rose 61 percent in 2009. Now some local organizations are reacting to the news. Carl Schmid, Deputy Executive Director of The AIDS Institute in Northwest, says that the numbers clearly show that something more must be done. "Today's announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that new HIV infections in the U.S. remain stable but has increased among gay men and other men who have sex with men, particularly among black gay men, is further evidence that our Nation's commitment to HIV prevention must be heightened." The AIDS Institute suggests investing in HIV prevention now to ward off higher infection rates and health care costs in the future; that includes better sexual education programs. "The 34 percent increase in the number of new infections among young gay men is yet another reminder for the need to have age appropriate sexuality education that includes a positive discussion of both heterosexual and homosexual relationships," stated Michael Ruppaul, Executive Director of The AIDS Institute. The Al Sura Foundation, a non-profit community group who works with LGBT youth and young adults in D.C., is calling for action as well. "These numbers are overwhelming, frightening, and completely unacceptable from a black community perspective. The time is now for action. We must collectively push through the barriers of homophobia, fear, poverty, and complacency when it comes to saving LGBT brothers and sisters," stated Rahim Briggs, head of the foundation. On one hand, the numbers can be seen as a positive sign. Stabilized numbers can indicate that more people are getting the message and taking their sexual health seriously. However, the numbers have not decreased after all the triumphs and strides made over the past decade. It makes this Examiner wonder whether the recent medical breakthroughs (Truvada, PReP, Tenoforvir vaginal gel) will be the only saving grace for this epidemic. Or will it have to be a more aggressive push to address the underlying issues surrounding HIV such as homophobia, stigma, and the lack of honest discussions about sexual habits. When it is all said and done, the AIDS community still has a lot of work ahead of them because the goal is to eradicate the disease, not just stabilize. Where are we going wrong? Feel free to comment here. Get e-mail notifications every time Candace's blog is updated.
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D.C. HIV/AIDS Examiner  Candace Y.A. Montague Candace Y.A. Montague has been learning about HIV since 1988 (and she has the certificates from the American Red Cross to prove it). Health is a high priority to Candace because she believes that nothing can come of your life if you're not healthy enough to enjoy it. One of her two master's degrees is in Community Health Promotion and Education. Candace was inspired to act against HIV after seeing a documentary in 2008 about African-American women and HIV. She knew that writing was the best way for her to make a difference and help inform others. Candace is a native Washingtonian and covers HIV news all around D.C. She has covered fundraisers, motorcycle rides, town hall meetings, house balls, Capitol Hill press conferences, election campaigns and protests for The DC Examiner.com and emPower News Magazine. Subscribe to Candace's Blog:
Recent Posts:
April 5, 2013 - The Sexual Health Lessons of Tyler Perry's Tempation: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague
March 25, 2013 - Candace's AIDS News Update: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 11, 2013 - Three Condoms Rule No More: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague March 5, 2013 - HIV Prevention Strategies for Women Proven Ineffective: A Blog Entry by Candace Y.A. Montague February 8, 2013 - Black HIV/AIDS Awareness: Eight Points to Keep in Mind A Brief Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by TheBody.com's bloggers are entirely their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheBody.com itself. |
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