Injection Drug Users Represent 9% of New HIV Cases in U.S.

Though the number of people contracting HIV through injection drug use in the United States is declining, injection drug users still account for 9 percent of all new HIV cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Of the 10,073 injection drug users interviewed by the CDC, 9 percent were HIV positive and 45 percent of those were unaware of their status. The CDC also found that although participants were engaging in high risk activities, including sharing syringes and engaging in unprotected sex, only 49 percent of people reported having been tested for HIV in the past 12 months.

The CDC is asking for an increase in HIV prevention programs and testing efforts among injection drug users to bring down rates.

To read the CDC statement, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6108a1.htm?s_cid=mm6108a1_e.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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