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CDC: Newly diagnosed Black HIV-Positive MSM fall out of care, have lowest viral suppression

Westside Gazette - 10/30/2014

Am I at risk?

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta shows that only half (49.5 percent) of gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV in the U.S. are getting treatment for their infection. And of that number, only 42 percent have achieved viral suppression - a validation that their virus is under control at a level that helps keep them healthy while also significantly reducing their chances of transmitting HIV to others.

And although these low numbers raise concerns across the entire MSM community, statistics for Black MSM (Men Sleeping with Men) - particularly young Black men - prove to be even more alarming.

While white and Latino MSM diagnosed with HIV achieved viral suppression at 43.9 and 43.5 percent respectively, only 37 percent of Black MSM achieved it.

In comparisons of the overall statistics for young gay and bisexual men (ages 18-24) diagnosed with HIV, a disappointing 25.9 percent had achieved viral suppression - suggesting even lower numbers for young Black men in this demographic.