No Turning Back

Taking Action Against the Threat of Resurgence

Responding to evidence of a possible resurgence in HIV among MSM, CDC has undertaken extensive efforts to better understand these trends, and is working with state and local partners and affected MSM communities to forge a plan of action.

After convening meetings with researchers and community representatives from across the country, CDC in April 2001, issued a Public Health Bulletin to state and local health departments and community-based organizations outlining available evidence indicating the strong potential for a resurgent epidemic and defining prevention priorities for MSM (http://www.CDC.gov/nchstp/od/nchstp.html). The agency plans to issue detailed guidance to the AIDS community in 2001 and provide specific training on prevention for MSM.

Yet more must be done. Health departments and community-based organizations must give greater priority to the urgent prevention needs of MSM, particularly MSM of color. AIDS and gay community leaders must once again make HIV prevention for MSM a fundamental part of their agenda, and African-American and Latino leaders must fight the stigma that impedes prevention efforts in communities of color. Supported with re-focused and re-energized efforts by CDC, these broad initiatives are critical to reversing a possible HIV resurgence among MSM.