Study Says HIV Testing Isn't Reaching Gay Black Men In The South

A study from the CDC—“The Silent Epidemic: Black Gay Men and HIV” says that HIV testing is not reaching gay black men in the South like how it should.

The study said, “Although black men who have sex with men (or MSM) received 6 percent of the HIV tests provided, they accounted for 36 percent of the new diagnoses in non-health care facilities.” In a nutshell, healthcare facilities in the South are not reaching gay black males at the rate they are supposed to be.

Along with pointing out the lack of reach, the CDC also pointed out the lasting effect it could have, saying “Black MSM in the southern United States are the group most affected by HIV, but only a small percentage of CDC tests in the southern United States are provided to this group. Increasing awareness of HIV status through HIV testing, especially among black MSM in the southern United States, is essential for reducing the risk for transmission and addressing disparities.”

The study didn’t end on a sour note, as agencies that could provide healthcare were strongly encouraged to continue on with testing, even if the methods were not traditional.

Source: myAJC