Private MD News

Is HIV getting enough attention in the U.S.?

Category: HIV

While the U.S. is in a much better place than it was 30 years ago in its fight against HIV, the battle isn't over yet. People still need to regularly utilize STD testing services to screen for the virus. Some people may mistakenly believe that HIV is no longer a major issue in America, which could lead to carelessness when it comes to safer sex and testing. Recently, The Huffington Post published an article by Seth Rosen, managing director of development for Gay Men's Health Crisis, who said that HIV in the U.S. may not be getting the attention it deserves.

According to the article, every 9.5 minutes another person in the U.S. contracts HIV, and out of the 1.2 million Americans with this virus, one in five is unaware they have it.

Still a major issue
Rosen pointed out that in 2009 there were 17,000 deaths in the U.S. attributed to HIV, which the CDC referred to as a "stable trend." However, this issue is far from stable among African Americans, gays and bisexuals. Although African Americans make up about only 13 percent of the population, they account for 44 percent of new HIV infections each year, while gays and bisexuals account for 63 percent of new infections.

According to Rosen, many of the major philanthropists in the U.S. are ignoring the HIV crisis in the U.S. He said that out of the 50 people listed in the Chronicle of Philanthropy's account of the top charity donors in the U.S., only two gave significant funds to fight HIV in America.

"I do not mean to diminish the outstanding generosity of the other 48 people on the list, but why is HIV no longer a top priority among those with the means to do something about a still-spreading disease that can only be held at bay with costly medications and cannot be cured?" Rosen wrote for The Huffington Post.

Rosen called for more people to join the fight to help eradicate HIV in the U.S. and to spread the word that although progress has been made, the fight is far from over. Furthermore, individuals need to make sure that younger generations understand that HIV is not merely a problem from the past, but still a very much current issue that they should be concerned about, which is why they should practice safer sex and get tested for HIV regularly.

Tips for prevention
The GA voice, a Georgia news source, has some helpful tips for on reducing the risk of contracting HIV. Individuals shouldn't be afraid to talk to new partners about the importance of using condoms, and demand that their safety is the most important thing when it comes to sexual activity. Furthermore, if individuals are planning to hit the bars and look for a romantic endeavor, they should come prepared by carrying their own condoms with them, regardless of whether they are male or female.

Finally, it's important for people to get tested for all STDs, not just HIV. Having another STD greatly increases a person's risk of contracting HIV, which is why people need to always be aware of their sexual health status. Getting tested is one simple thing that people can do to make a big difference in their lives and help them make sure that they are not putting future sexual partners at risk of contracting a virus or infection.