"On
National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day," says Kevin Fenton, MD, Director, CDC's National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention. "We honor the remarkable
history of gay men’s leadership in the fight against the HIV epidemic.
Three decades ago, extraordinary community
and public health prevention efforts led to dramatic declines in new
HIV infections among men who have sex with men. Yet infection rates are
now increasing among young gay and bisexual men, particularly men of
color. We must not allow another generation
to be devastated by this disease. Together we can, and must,
revitalize the passion and dedication that helped turn back the HIV
epidemic among gay men during its darkest days.
"Research and
surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
remind us that gay and bisexual men remain at the epicenter of the U.S.
HIV epidemic. HIV prevention, education and testing
for men who have sex with men remain top CDC priorities. As part of
CDC’s High Impact Prevention approach to fighting HIV, we are working to
ensure resources are directed to the activities that will have the
greatest impact in reducing the toll among gay
and bisexual men, and other populations at highest risk.
"One
of the most important things every gay and bisexual man can do to stop
the spread of HIV is to get tested for the disease at least once a
year. If you test negative, you’ll have
peace of mind and can redouble your efforts to stay safe. And if you
test positive, you can get the medical care and support that you need to
keep healthy and protect others from infection. It’s a simple, quick
way to reduce the toll of HIV, and can ultimately
help us to turn the tide in the fight against AIDS in America."