Young gay Latinos are seeing a rising share of new HIV cases in the United States, even as overall infection rates have declined, according to a new analysis by KFF Health News and The Associated Press.
While estimated new HIV infection rates fell 23% overall from 2012 to 2022, the rate has not declined as much for Latinos compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Latinos made up the largest share of new HIV diagnoses and infections among gay and bisexual men in 2022, accounting for about 33% of new HIV infections despite comprising only 19% of the U.S. population.
The analysis found Latinos are experiencing disproportionately high numbers of new infections and diagnoses across the country, with rates highest in the Southeast. In some areas receiving federal funding to combat HIV, diagnosis rates increased for Latinos from 2019 to 2022 while declining for other groups.
Public health officials cite systemic barriers like language differences, lack of transportation, and fear of deportation as factors hindering HIV prevention and treatment efforts in Latino communities. Latino health advocates are calling for more targeted funding and outreach, including faith-based initiatives and bilingual testing services.
“Our invisibility is no longer tolerable,” said Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, co-chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS.
The CDC said it provides some funding for minority groups, but advocates want more resources directed specifically to Latino communities to address the growing disparity in HIV rates.
See “Young gay Latinos see rising share of new HIV cases, leading to call for targeted funding” (July 4, 2024)
