The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently released data showing that the estimated number of new HIV infections has dropped by 12% in 2021 compared to 2017.
According to the report, this is a drop from around 36,500 infections over a year to 32,100 infections. There is a 34% drop in new infections among 13 to 24-year-olds, primarily among gay and bisexual males, which is a key factor in the decline. The report added that HIV preventive programs need to advance further and quicker so they can reach everyone fairly and in order to achieve national targets to end the HIV epidemic.
“Our nation’s HIV prevention efforts continue to move in the right direction,” said CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky. “Longstanding factors, such as systemic inequities, social and economic marginalization and residential segregation, however, stand between highly effective HIV treatment and prevention and people who could benefit from them. Efforts must be accelerated and strengthened for progress to reach all groups faster and equitably.”
The report showed that the decline in HIV infections was not even across racial and ethnic groups, as declines were less among Black and 13 to 24-year-old Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men than white men who are gay and bisexual.
The most recent projections by the CDC show that among people aged 13 to 24, yearly infections have decreased from 9,300 in 2017 to 6,100 in 2021. The reduction was driven by decreases in new infections among young gay and bisexual males. This makes up 80% of new infections in the age group, and it fell from 7,400 infections to about 4,900 infections during that time.
“In prevention, patience is not a virtue,” Jonathan Mermin Director of CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention said. “Decreasing HIV incidence among youth, including young gay and bisexual males, shows us what is possible. But ending the HIV epidemic and achieving equity requires we expand this progress to all.”
