Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new research provides the first comprehensive national estimates of the lifetime risk of HIV diagnosis for several at risk populations – and in every state.  Results show that while the overall rate of HIV infection is declining, the risk of HIV infection remains very high among certain subgroups of the population, particularly racial/ethnic minority Men who have Sex with Men (MSM).  Specifically, this new CDC report shows that 1 in 2 Black MSM and 1 in 4 Latino MSM will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime.  In contrast, 1 in 11 White MSM are at risk of being diagnosed.

According to the CDC, a number of factors may contribute to the higher HIV risk associated with Black MSM, including: (1) Socioeconomic factors such as limited access to and use of quality health care, lower income and educational levels, and higher rates of unemployment and incarceration; (2) Smaller and more exclusive social networks—characterized by Black MSM partnering with other Black MSM, small population size and the higher prevalence of HIV in this population—that place Black MSM at greater risk of being exposed to HIV; (3) Sexual relationships with older men who are more likely to have HIV; and (4) Lack of awareness of HIV status, which leads to further spread of the virus to others.

The intent of this report is a call to action, for health care providers to consider the range of prevention and care strategies we have at our disposal, effective implementation of which can lend to future reductions of HIV infections and population disparities in the U.S. You can access the full CDC report at:CDC Report