On September 27, AIDSVu recognizes National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) by bringing attention to the disproportionate impact of HIV on gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM). According to the latest CDC data, gay, bisexual, and other MSM accounted for over half (55 percent) of all people living with HIV in 2013 despite making up just 2 percent of the U.S. population. Additionally, while the overall rate of new HIV diagnoses in the US decreased from 2008 to 2014, new HIV diagnoses among MSM increased during this same time period, with the rates of new diagnoses among young MSM (ages 13-24) increasing by 27 percent.
Here are a few ways you can get involved on this important day:
- Raise Awareness – Share this infographic from AIDSVu to raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of HIV on the gay and bisexual community. You can also visit AIDSVu’s MSM Population Profile to learn more.
- Get Tested – The CDC recommends gay, bisexual, and other MSM get tested for HIV every 3 to 6 months. Additionally, the CDC recommends all people between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime. Visit AIDSVu.org to find your local testing center.
- Understand HIV Where You Live – Explore AIDSVu’s interactive maps at the national, state, and local levels to better understand the HIV epidemic in your area.
AIDSVu now features an HIV prevention services locator to complement its existing HIV testing and care services locators. Learn more at AIDSVu.org/Prevention.
