CDC Updates Estimates of HIV Incidence in the United States, 2007-2010

Recently the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released estimates of HIV incidence among adults and adolescents in the United States for the years 2007-2010. These estimates, published in the online HIV Surveillance Supplemental Report, show that while the epidemic has been relatively stable overall at 50,000, per year, there are noteworthy findings among some hard-hit populations.

Comparing 2008 to 2010, new infections among African-American women has declined by 21 percent, giving us cautious optimism. This is the first CDC incidence report to show statistically significant declines among black women. However more time is needed to see if these trends will persist.

Yet, disparities still persist and the burden is too high. Overall men who have sex with men (MSM) of all races and African American and Latino men and women are most affected. We continue to see troubling increases among young MSM. New infections have risen sharply in this group, the only group to experience statistically significant increases. CDC estimates that incidence in MSM aged 13 to 24 has increased 22 percent, comparing 2008 to 2010. Young black MSM continue to bear the heaviest burden, and now account for more new infections than any other subgroup.

To have the greatest effect possible on HIV prevention and care, the CDC is working through a High Impact Prevention approach that directs every prevention dollar where it will have the greatest impact. CDC continues to fund and provide technical assistance to support state, local and community efforts, and expand HIV testing to the hardest hit populations. In addition, they are focusing on researching and engaging the community to better understand how to overcome the social, economic and cultural barriers that contribute to increase risk; and launching innovative communication campaigns.

Additional information on the new HIV incidence estimates can be found online at: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/surveillance/resources/reports/2010supp_vol17no4/index.htm

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.

TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!