March 18, 2008 |
Press contacts:
Noel Alicea, 212.367.1216
|
GMHC Statement on CDC data showing increased HIV infections among African American Men Who Have Sex With Men
This week the federal Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) released data on the prevalence of HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). The reports showed an 80% increase in HIV infections among young African American MSM.
"News of increased infections among African American gay and bisexual men comes as we reflect on years of misdirected public policy and institutionalized homophobia," said Marjorie J. Hill, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of GMHC. "The Bush Administration’s abstinence-only policy, which is both ineffective and discriminatory towards gay and lesbian youth, has greatly contributed to these alarming statistics on the health of our nation’s youth. We are now witnessing the ramifications of that and other ideologically-driven policies.
"These latest reports of increased HIV infections among young MSM come on the heels of statistics showing increased teen pregnancy rates, and a study reporting that 1 in 4 teenage girls in the US has been infected with at least one of the most common sexually transmitted infections," said Dr. Hill, referring to data presented at the 2008 National STD Prevention Conference in Chicago earlier this month.
"GMHC continues to advocate for a National AIDS Strategy that would require communication and policy continuity across all levels of the federal government," said Dr. Hill, regarding a proposal to implement such a strategy in the federal appropriations cycle. "A National AIDS Strategy that is grounded in public health and science would reinforce education programs that are inclusive of individuals at highest risk for HIV infection, and are scientifically proven to be effective in slowing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections."
© 2008 Gay Men's Health Crisis
|
home 
