We are now in the third decade of the HIV/AIDS epidemic and although HIV prevention efforts have grown substantially over time and we have made important progress, major unmet needs remain. HIV continues to pose a significant threat to Americans' health and well-being, with African Americans and men who have sex with men (MSM) of all races most severally affected. While African Americans account for 13 percent of the population, they account for nearly half of HIV diagnose in 2005 (49% in 33 states with longstanding confidential name-based reporting) and nearly half of the people estimated to be living with HIV (47%). MSM also account for half of new HIV diagnoses in 2005 (49% in the 33 states with confidential name-based reporting) and nearly half of people estimated to be living with HIV (45%).
Reducing the toll f HIV among these groups requires a collaborative and intensive effort by government, partners, and the private and public sectors. The centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) is intensifying its own efforts to address the epidemic among African Americans and MSM. Targeted initiatives are underway, new HIV testing recommendations have been published, and new partnerships with community leaders have been established. CDC will continue to direct the majority of its resources to strategies, programs, and research for groups disproportionately affected by the epidemic and is working to expand the use of proven interventions and develop new approaches for reaching these populations. |
