|
 New HIV Cases Rising Among Young NYC Men Who
Have Sex With Men
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: September 11, 2007 - 3:00 pm ET
(New York City) HIV infection is on the rise
among young men who have sex with men in New York City, particularly among young
blacks and Hispanics, according to preliminary data released Tuesday by the NYC
Health Department.
New HIV diagnoses among MSM under age 30 have
increased by 33 percent during the past six years, the agency reported today,
from 374 in 2001 to almost 500 in 2006.
New diagnoses have doubled among MSM ages 13
to19, while declining by 22 percent among older MSM.
The under-30 group now accounts for 44% of all
new diagnoses among MSM in New York City, up from 31% in 2001.
“We are very concerned about the increase in
HIV among young men who have sex with men,” said Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, Health
Commissioner for New York City.
“We’re headed in the wrong direction. Unless
young men reduce the number of partners they have, and protect themselves and
their partners by using condoms more consistently, we will face another wave of
suffering and death from HIV and AIDS.”
Blacks and Hispanics still bear a
disproportionate share of New York City’s HIV burden the Health Department
said.
Among all MSM, blacks received twice as many HIV
diagnoses as whites in 2006 - 232 versus 101; and Hispanics received 55% more
than whites - 157 versus 101.
The disparity is even more striking among
adolescents; more than 90% of the MSM under age 20 diagnosed with HIV in 2006
were black or Hispanic - 81 out of 87.
“These numbers are devastating. After 26 years
of AIDS, we cannot drift backward," said Debra Frasier-Howe, president of
the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS.
"We must ask all New Yorkers to accept some
responsibility for helping our young people protect themselves. Their lives are
not dispensable.”
Tokes Osubu, executive director of Gay Men of
African Descent said that reversing the trend "will require a new
commitment to protecting this most underserved population."
"We need an integrated approach across city
agencies, social justice organizations and AIDS organizations, and a less
judgmental approach by faith institutions," said Osubu.
Every borough except Staten Island has seen HIV
increase among MSM under 30 since 2001.
The largest increases occurred in Queens - 49
percent; and Manhattan - 57 percent. The increase in Manhattan was concentrated
in East and Central Harlem, and in the Chelsea and Clinton areas.
The Department is working with community groups,
medical providers, and others to promote risk reduction through reducing the
number of partners and increasing the use of condoms.
The Department also distributes more than 3
million free condoms each month. The distinctive NYC Condom is available not
only through Health Department clinics and community organizations but through
retail establishments and entertainment venues, including bars, clubs and
restaurants.
©365Gay.com 2007
|
Entertainment
