Studies Show High Rates of HIV Among Black MSM To Continue for Decades

By Eric Brus

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) currently account for about two-thirds of all new HIV infections in the U.S., and infection rates are particularly high among Black MSM. In a recent study Emory University researcher Eli Rosenberg and colleagues used CDC data to generate estimates of race-specific HIV transmissions, transmission rates, incidence rates, and rate ratios.

"Our study has clear programmatic and policy implications," the researchers wrote. "Because disparities in the HIV care continuum likely account for most of the disparities in HIV transmission rates between Black and White MSM, there is an urgent need to improve our rates of HIV testing, linkage and retention in care, and prescription of and adherence to antiretroviral therapy for Black MSM living with HIV."

Approximately 562,500 Black and 3,231,061 White adult MSM were living in the U.S. during 2010, according to the study. Of these, an estimated 180,477 Black and 243,174 White MSM were living with HIV. These figures correspond to HIV prevalence rates of 32 percent and eight percent among Black and White MSM, respectively.

The model also indicated that there were major racial disparities among MSM in their HIV care. In particular, of those diagnosed with HIV infection, only 33 percent of Black versus 51 percent of White MSM were connected with health care providers. Meanwhile, the rate of viral suppression among Black MSM (16%) was less than half that achieved among White MSM (34%).

Rosenberg and his colleagues also used the model to calculate the projected impact that improved HIV care might have on these disparities. They found that, while "disparities in the rates of HIV transmission could be reduced by improving the outcomes of the HIV care continuum... racial disparities in HIV prevalence are likely to continue sustaining the higher incidence in Black MSM for decades to come."

Saturday, February 7, is the 15th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). As has been the case for the past several years, the theme for NBHAAD in 2015 is: "I am My Brother's/Sister's Keeper: FIGHT HIV/AIDS!" According to NBHAAD organizers, the purpose of the event is to encourage Black Americans to get educated about HIV and AIDS; get involved in community prevention efforts; get tested to know their status; and get treated to receive the continuum of care needed to live with HIV/AIDS.

Online Resources

Below is a list of online resources focusing on HIV/AIDS in the Black/African American community:

HIV Among African Americans. This two-page CDC fact sheet presents recent statistics, information about prevention challenges, and steps CDC is taking to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African Americans.

HIV/AIDS and African Americans. Web page with detailed statistics from the Office of Minority Health.

Diagnoses of HIV Infection in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2012. This 83-page CDC report includes detailed information about HIV and AIDS cases and deaths among Blacks/African Americans and other racial/ethnic groups. Breakdowns are also provided by age, gender, HIV transmission category and geographic region.

Black Americans and HIV/AIDS. This three-page fact sheet from the Kaiser Family Foundation was updated last April. It provides detailed information on HIV/AIDS among Black Americans in the following topic areas: snapshot of the epidemic, key trends and current cases, women and young people, gay and bisexual men, HIV transmission, geographic distribution of cases, access to and use of health care, HIV testing and opinions about HIV/AIDS.

HIV and AIDS Among African Americans. This online document from Avert.org provides an extensive overview of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Black America, complete with citations to more than 60 source research papers and reports. Topics covered include: key statistics, transmission routes, HIV prevention and treatment, and social and economic factors that contribute to high rates of HIV among African Americans.

Eric Brus is the Director of Health Information at AIDS Action Committee. This report is produced by the Health Library of the AIDS Action Committee in collaboration with the New England AIDS Education and Training Center Minority AIDS Initiative Project.