As HIV drugs become increasingly effective, it would be logical to conclude that rates of the infection are, in turn, decreasing. However, new government data find that only 25 percent of those Americans infected with HIV actually have the virus under control.
The numbers are even worse among young people and African Americans. Among those between the ages of 25 and 34, only 15 percent have received the necessary treatment to control the virus, a rate that s less than half that found among older generations. Similarly, rates of viral suppression in African Americans is about 10 percent less, compared to their white counterparts.
Part of the reason treatment rates are so low is likely due to the fact that many of those infected about 20 percent are not aware that they are HIV positive. However, that accounts for only a small percentage of people not receiving the necessary treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obstacles to control of HIV include limited access to treatment because of poverty or lack of health insurance factors which exacerbate an increasing complacency about HIV, since effective therapies have become widespread in recent years.
These numbers are astounding; people need to be aware of the statistics, says ACSH's Dr. Gilbert Ross. We have the necessary means to treat HIV and slow its spread, but people need to be aware that they are infected and get started on treatment as soon as they are diagnosed.
