CDC: Prevention A Must To Stop AIDS

The CDC has recently reminded us that AIDS is still spreading, and while we have made a step in the right direction there is a long way to go.

But behind the stable number of new infections lies some troubling warning signs. If the number of people living with HIV continues to grow by tens of thousands each year, the stability in new infections will be short-lived.

In fact, the new HIV incidence data show that infections are already rising among one specific group of Americans: gay and bisexual men younger than 30. In this group, there was an alarming 48% increase among young African-American gay and bisexual men. A new generation of men must be reached urgently so that they can learn how to protect themselves from HIV.

Clearly, swift action is also needed to ensure that similar increases do not emerge in other populations. Yet HIV prevention isn't woven into the fabric of our lives as it should be and once was, given that the disease is still incurable and deadly. In fact, studies show that less than half of Americans have ever been tested for HIV.

Testing should become a major focus.  For the most part (sadly, not always) AIDS is spread because the infected person is not aware of their condition.  Availability and including it as part of a regular medical profile could dramatically reduce the number of cases.  Condoms should be as available and inexpensive as possible, and while many take that for granted the reality is AIDS has slipped off our radar as a nation.    We can't accept its existence as commonplace.  This is a scourge that can largely be headed off with preventative steps.  It's like finding the cure for cancer and just deciding it's an inconvenience.  Sexual activity must include sexual responsibility.  We can do better.

We have to do better.