October 15, 2017 BY imani leave a comment
To coincide with National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, which is observed each year on Oct. 15, the CDC published new data on Hispanics or Latinos living in the United States who are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The Latino community accounts for 18% of the overall population, however they make up 24% of all new HIV diagnoses, according to the CDC.
“Improving health outcomes for Hispanics or Latinos living with HIV infection is necessary to reduce HIV transmission in the United States,” Zanetta Gant, PhD, epidemiologist in the CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, and colleagues wrote in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. “Prompt linkage to care after diagnosis allows early initiation of HIV treatment, which is associated with reduced morbidity, mortality, and transmission of HIV infection.”
n 2015, 75.4% of Hispanics or Latinos with a diagnosed HIV infection were linked to care within 1 month, according to the report. At the end of 2014, 70.2% received care, 58.3% were retained in care and 58.2% were virally suppressed, the data showed.
“Hispanics or Latinos with HIV infection might not seek, receive, or adhere to HIV care or treatment regimens for various reasons, including lack of health insurance, language barriers, and migration patterns,” they wrote. “HIV programs that focus on care and treatment for Hispanics or Latinos might consider strengthening efforts to link to and retain in care persons with HIV infection and to promote adherence to medication to achieve optimal health outcomes.” Gant concluded.
MASS hosts regular education and testing events in and around Newport News in order to provide health care support to disadvantaged persons. MASS is operated by African American executive, management, and direct services staff members and serves predominately African American, Latino and other minority clients. Check out our upcoming events page to see where in the community we will be next.