US: HIV infection rates rise for young gay men — but down for black women.
While the general rate of new HIV infections in the United States has remained the same over the last decade, it is decreasing among black women and increasing among young gay and bisexual men, according to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The latest report has found new infections among young gay and bisexual men between the ages of 13-24 to be on the rise.
Infection rates grew by 22% from 2008 – 2010, although it fell by almost the same amount for African American women.
But, young, black gay and bisexual men remain at greatest risk – these men now account for more new infections than any other subgroup – with a total of 4,800 infections in 2010.
The CDC reports gay and bisexual men represented 2% of the US population but accounted for 63% of new HIV infections.
It also found those infected with HIV are living longer, thanks in part to HIV testing, treatment and prevention programs.
Mr Obama said that his administration is concentrating efforts in lowering transmission rates among those communities where it is highest.
Earlier in December, the UK’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) released figures showing that more than 3,000 gay and bisexual men became infected with the virus last year – the highest since records began.
