Infectious Diseases and Rare Diseases

HIV in Men

The recent data shows that the highest number of HIV diagnoses reported to be in men who have sex with men (MSM). Even as different sections have seen a decrease in their HIV infection rates over the years, the rate of new HIV infections has remained surprisingly stable in case of MSM. As per records, there were 26,376 HIV infections reports resulting from male-male sexual contact in 2015. In 2010, it was 26,338. Intervening years also witnessed about 26,000 HIV infections each year. According to the recent reports, most HIV infections in men are transmitted through Sexual contacts. The presence of some STIs highly increases the chances of acquiring or transmitting HIV. Higher rates of gonorrhea and syphilis have been found among black men than among white or Hispanic/Latino men. Also the rates of syphilis have increased in recent years among MSM. Use of drugs through injection or other substances may enhance the risk of HIV infection through sharing injection equipment infected with HIV. Engaging in high-risk behaviours, such as unprotected sex, when under the influence of drugs or alcohol also increases the risk of HIV transmission. As per reports from CDC, around 1.1 million people in U.S have HIV, and it is evident that the prevalence of transmission among men is on the rise. The reports also indicated that in 2016, 81% of the HIV diagnoses were among men ages 13 and older. Since the issue of PrEP in 2012, its uptake has been highest among MSM. These reports do tell us one important thing though, i.e. lack of awareness and responsibility among people of such group leading to staggering rates of HIV infections. Several campaigns initiated by government organisations such as MSM Testing Initiative, National HIV Behavioural Surveillance System, Act Against AIDS campaign, The Reasons/ Razones testing campaign, Testing Makes Us Stronger campaign and Let’s Stop HIV Together are the examples of a few sharing the same goal of extending the support to people thereby educating and encouraging them to come out and contribute to the fight against HIV.