HIV Rise in Young Black Men in Mississippi

February 5, 2009

Dear Colleague:

In light of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds its partners that HIV remains a threat to the health, well-being and human potential of African American communities in the United States. African American men and women of all ages continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. Although African Americans comprise only 12% of the US population, they account for nearly half of all new HIV infections and almost half of those living with HIV.

A recent independent analysis by the Black AIDS Institute found that if black America were its own country, it would rank 16^th in the world in number of people living with HIV—ahead of Ethiopia, Botswana and Haiti. We cannot allow this epidemic to continue on its current course. Data indicate that 1 in 16 black men and 1 in 30 black women in the United States will be diagnosed with HIV infection in his or her lifetime. Of particular concern are data indicating that among blacks, young people ages 13-29 are most affected. Furthermore, there are troubling signs of a worsening epidemic among young black men who have sex with men (MSM).

An article published today in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) focuses on data collected from a sexually transmitted disease clinic in the Jackson, Mississippi area, which showed a significant increase in the number of young black men diagnosed with HIV. A review of state surveillance data indicated a 45% increase in the number of new diagnoses of HIV among young black MSM in the three-county Jackson, Mississippi area (Hinds, Rankin, and Madison counties) from 2006-2007 compared with 2004-2005. At the request of the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDOH), CDC and MSDOH conducted an investigation to characterize the risk behavior and testing behavior among young black MSM in Jackson. The MMWR article summarizes the investigation, which found that, during the 12 months before HIV diagnosis, many young black MSM reported unprotected anal intercourse (69%) and sex partners from older age groups (55%). Additionally, 38% reported one or no HIV tests during the two years before diagnosis. The authors conclude that access to existing prevention and testing services in Mississippi should be expanded, and additional targeted interventions that decrease HIV risk behaviors and increase HIV testing among young black MSM should be developed, implemented, and evaluated to reduce HIV transmission.

Addressing the unacceptably high rates of HIV among blacks, and particularly black MSM, is a challenge due to the many factors involved, including risk and testing behaviors, homophobia, and stigma surrounding both same-sex behavior and HIV. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is a day to focus our attention and efforts on reducing the barriers to HIV prevention that prevent many African Americans at risk from seeking HIV testing, treatment, and support.

On this 9^th Annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, CDC urges its partners to work together—as individuals, as communities, and as a nation—to accelerate recent progress and meet the serious challenges that remain. Together we can change the course of this epidemic, but it will take a continued commitment from all of us.

Thank you for all you do to support HIV prevention.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Wolitski, Ph.D.
Acting Director
Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral
Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention