HIV rates jump
for NYC young men of color

New HIV diagnoses for gay and bisexual men under the age of 30 have increased by one third over the past six years in New York City, according to the city's health department. Furthermore, new diagnoses have doubled among gay and bisexual men between the ages of 13 and 19, while the rate has declined by 22% for men over 30.

The health department reports that black and Hispanic men are most at risk to contract the virus--among the entire group, black men were diagnosed at twice the rate of whites in 2006, and Hispanics received 55% more diagnoses. For teens, the rate is more staggering. Ninety percent of teens with HIV in the study were black or Hispanic.

Tokes Osubu, executive director of Gay Men of African Descent, called for more commitment to protecting this population. "GMAD will continue to work with other stakeholders to save the lives of our young men," he said in a statement. "We need an integrated approach across city agencies, social justice organizations, and AIDS organizations, and a less judgmental approach by faith institutions."

The city of New York offers free HIV testing and STD treatments to anyone over age 12, available at the health department's 10 clinics. A city initiative has also been enacted to distribute more than 3 million free condoms per month. (The Advocate)