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Some 61 percent of new HIV infections in the U.S. are among gay and bisexual men, although this population accounts for only 2 percent of the country’s population, according to the CDC. Among black gay and bisexual men, the numbers are even more dire, with the CDC reporting a 48 percent increase in new HIV infections ages 13-29 between 2006-2009.
At current infection rates, one in 16 African-American men will be diagnosed with HIV in their lifetime, and one in 32 African-American women will contract the virus.
“The harsh reality is that today, even in the face of great hope and promise, African-American communities continue to be devastated by HIV,” said Dr. Kevin Fenton, director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention earlier this year.
“Although only 14 percent of the U.S. population, African-Americans account for almost half of those living and dying with HIV and AIDS in this country.”
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