Increasing HIV Diagnoses Among Latinos
CDC report highlights alarming statistics
According to the latest figures from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Latinos, who represent less than 20% of the US population, accounted for nearly a third of new HIV diagnoses in 2022. With about 19 new diagnoses per 100,000 people, Latinos have the second-highest rate of new HIV cases, nearly double the national rate.
Socio-economic factors contribute to rising rates
The increase in new HIV diagnoses among Latinos, up 19% between 2018 and 2022, contrasts with a nearly 6% decline among Black people, who still have the highest share of HIV cases. Daniel Castellanos from the Latino Commission on AIDS attributes the trend to high rates of uninsured individuals, socio-economic instability, and a lack of mental health and substance abuse services.
Hernandez described the stigma and misinformation in Latino communities that impacted his initial response to his diagnosis. “The emotions were just like ‘nobody’s gonna love me. I’m not gonna have children, I’m HIV positive.’ It was more of guilt and disgust at the same time,” he said.
Latino advocates and health policy experts emphasize the need for better HIV education and access to care. Edgar Longoria of Entre Hermanos noted that cultural taboos and fear often prevent Latinos from seeking HIV services. Martha Zuñiga, deputy director for Entre Hermanos, stressed the importance of resources and education, highlighting a significant increase in HIV cases among their clients over the past decade.
Calls for increased awareness and resources
The CDC reported low awareness of PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) among Latinos tested for HIV at CDC-funded sites. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, co-chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, emphasized the need for a focus on the Latino community to end the HIV epidemic, proposing actions such as equitable resource distribution and eliminating barriers to care.
Hernandez continues to raise awareness within the Latino community, urging those diagnosed with HIV to seek support. “There’s a huge community out there aside from the LGBTQ community that’s here as a support system. We are in this together and we’re here together until we eradicate HIV,” he said.