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CDC encourages HIV testing, education among Latino Americans

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Saturday marks National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, and this year’s theme is, “Latinos Unite! Let’s Stay Healthy! Get Tested for HIV!”

Along with the CDC, many other organizations, including the Latino Commission on AIDS and the Hispanic Federation, are promoting HIV testing, HIV prevention education and access to care in Latino/Hispanic communities.

“On this National Latino AIDS Awareness Day, I call on government, communities and individuals alike to each do our part to confront the challenges, myths and fears that place Latinos at high risk for HIV, Kevin Fenton, MD, Infectious Disease News Editorial Board member and director of the CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, said in a statement released today. “Latino communities must work together to tear down the barriers that prevent too many from seeking testing, treatment and support. And all of us owe it to ourselves to get the facts about HIV, honestly evaluate our personal risk, take the necessary steps to reduce our risk and most importantly — get tested.”

Kevin Fenton, MD

According to 2009 CDC estimates, Latinos accounted for 20% of new HIV infections, but only represented 16% of the US population. In addition, approximately one in 36 Latino men and one in 106 Latinas will be diagnosed with HIV, which is almost three times that of white men, and more than four times that of white women.

Despite these statistics, CDC officials said more than half of Latinos have never been tested for HIV. For this reason, they are recommending that all adolescents and adults in Latino communities get tested as a routine part of medical care; seek early medical care if they have HIV to protect their own and their partners’ health; protect themselves and others through safer sex practices, not using or injecting drugs, and not sharing needles if they inject drugs; educate themselves and others about HIV; and get involved in their communities to help prevent HIV or provide services to those in need.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/NLAAD2011Statement.html and www.cdc.gov/features/latinoaidsawareness.

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