March 10, 2010

CDC: New MSM HIV Diagnoses 44 Times That of Other Men

The rate of new HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men is more than 44 times that of other men and more than 40 times that of women, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), presented at the 2010 National STD Prevention Conference in Atlanta.

In addition, the rate of primary and secondary syphilis among MSM is more than 46 times that of other men and more than 71 times that of women.

Research shows that risk factors contributing to high rates of HIV and syphilis among MSM include high prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections, which increase the risk of transmission; complacency surrounding HIV among young MSM; homophobia and stigma; inconsistent prevention strategies among MSM over the course of a lifetime; and a lack of awareness of syphilis symptoms and its treatment.

“There is no single or simple solution for reducing HIV and syphilis rates among gay and bisexual men,” said Kevin Fenton, MD, director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention. “We need intensified prevention efforts that are as diverse as the gay community itself. Solutions for young gay and bisexual men are especially critical, so that HIV does not inadvertently become a rite of passage for each new generation of gay men.”

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Previous Comments:

Anthony Blackwood, Redding, 2010-04-12 05:07:17
After the horrific suffering & deaths of so many in the early years, the huge wake up call & decline in new infections, all of the prevention efforts, research, advancement in treatment, med side affects & mental, emotional & psychological affects. I find it alarming, disturbing & sad that the HIV rate among MSM has increased so much 25 years later. We must make it a priority to find ways that work in reaching this population with a new wake up call that.

George Maris, Charlottesville, Virginia, 2010-03-16 13:03:59
Intensified intervention, education and community efforts are all part of outreach. Identifying the problem is only the beginning, I agree with Kevin Fenton, MD "There is no single or simple solution for reducing HIV and syphilis rates among gay and bisexual men," emphasis on community effort.

Gianni, Brooklyn, N, 2010-03-13 08:21:54
I am not sure if this statistic is correct. I doen's describe races or ethnics. However, what every one needs is more education, with education people in general can understand other cultures and people behabvior. I understand that the city of New York Mayor spends more money and time helping the Manhattan the high and middle class but, what about those areas such as Brooklyn and the Bronx where people unfortunately lees educated are more affected. I suggest to every one read, read and read.

harry, , 2010-03-11 13:09:05
To me, these data suggest that maybe there needs to be more attention to addressing and educating this group. Is it time for an "MSM AIDS Awareness Day"? It is interesting to me that this data was posted just under the article saying that today is the AIDS awareness day for women and girls.

ted, San Diego, 2010-03-11 12:12:31
While I agree with the comment above, I know that most people would say that we have higher rates of all this stuff because we behave recklessly and that we get what we get. It's like talking about African American imprisonment rates... most people just feel like if you don't commit crimes you wont go to jail. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but I'm just done expecting straight people to 'understand' us. they wont.

Doug, St. Louis, 2010-03-11 02:03:42
So What is the government doing about this? Where is the help for gay men? Why are we forced to pay thousands of dollars for meds even when we only make 13 bucks an hour? If the straight community really cared they would help us. The government should help us. Stop the drug companies from charging us so much. Stop the stigma, stop the hate crimes and the discrimination. Being gay is hard enough without those issues. Where are our rights as humans?