Despite an overall decline in new HIV diagnoses among Latinos, there has been a sharp increase in diagnoses among Latino men who have sex with men (MSM).

According to the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, a subdivision of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers analyzed data that had been reported to the National HIV Surveillance System between 2008 and 2013 and found that the rate of HIV diagnoses among Latinos in general decreased from 28.3% to 24.3%, but the number of diagnoses for Latino MSM increased by 16%.

Latinos are disproportionately affected by HIV infection – the rate of HIV diagnoses is nearly three times that of non-Hispanic whites (18.7% and 6.6% respectively). Behavioral risks differed depending upon place of birth, indicating that prevention strategies for Latinos should recognize the diversity of the Latino community. Researchers emphasize the need to prioritize testing, care and treatment for those already infected, and prevention education, especially in communities with the highest risk so that people know how to protect themselves.


1 National Center for HIV/AIDS, V.H., STD, and TB Prevention, CDC News: HIV Diagnoses Up in Gay, Bisexual Latino Men; Down in Latinos Overall. 2015. p. 1.

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