Recognizing Progress and Continuing the Fight in HIV/AIDS
Published: 09-27-2024 | 2 MIN READ | Author: Trevor Frank
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) 2024
September 27 marks National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD), a time to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on gay and bisexual men across the United States. This day celebrates the significant progress made over decades through advocacy and medical advancements, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges we face.
Despite encouraging signs of progress, factors such as stigma, poverty, racism, and lack of education continue to limit access to healthcare and vital resources for those most at risk of acquiring HIV.
How HIV/AIDS Impacts MSM
According to the CDC, as of 2022:
- Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) remain the population most affected by HIV in the U.S., accounting for 67% of the 31,800 estimated new HIV infections.
- Black MSM represent 35% of new infections.
- Hispanic/Latino MSM account for 37% of new infections.
Regionally, nearly half of new cases were diagnosed in the Southern U.S.
Still Work to Be Done
Despite the disproportionate impact HIV/AIDS has on gay and bisexual men, recent trends show positive development. When comparing 2022 to 2018, the annual number of HIV infections among MSM decreased by 10%. Notably, young gay and bisexual white men experienced a 39% drop in new infections, whil
e the number of new infections among young Black/African American men only decreased by 26%. However, new cases among Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men remained relatively unchanged, highlighting the inequities in healthcare access within the MSM minority community and the need for ongoing education and outreach.
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment
Many tools needed to end the HIV epidemic already exist today, and Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) offers affordable solutions to those most at-risk and in-need.
HIV and STI Testing and Treatment
Individuals at elevated risk for HIV and STIs should test regularly, ideally every 3 – 6 months. This includes sexually active gay/bisexual men. Services at PHNTX are provided on a sliding scale fee basis for uninsured and underinsured patients. Request an appointment online or call 214-623-6830.
PrEP and PEP/nPEP
Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily preventative pill for people who are not living with HIV. Those at higher risk should discuss PrEP options with their healthcare provider. PHNTX proudly offers PrEP. Learn more about PrEP or request an appointment.
PEP and nPEP are emergency treatment regimens for individuals who have recently been exposed to HIV. They should be administered within 72 hours of exposure. To discuss treatment options, please call 469-687-3200.
HIV/AIDS Treatment
Effective treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS not only keeps you healthy but also prevents the virus from spreading to others. PHNTX provides comprehensive care to anyone living with HIV/AIDS including, treatment, insurance and financial assistance, case management, pharmacy services, and behavioral health support. Request an appointment or call 469-205-8600.
Education and Outreach
PHNTX remains committed to providing sexual health education and resources to marginalized populations. Find us at health fairs, universities, LGBTQIA+ spaces and bars, local festivals, and even on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. Check our Events page to see upcoming events in our community.
While there are many tools at our disposal, equitable access to these resources remains stalled particularly for Black and brown communities. PHNTX stands firm in the fight against HIV/AIDS, striving to eliminate barriers and provide essential services to the communities most in-need.
Together We Can Make a Difference
The battle against the HIV/AIDS epidemic is ongoing, but together, we can work to reduce HIV-related inequalities among gay and bisexual men and build on the progress we’ve made toward ending the HIV epidemic in the United States.
