September 27 marks the third annual National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD), a national initiative to focus attention on the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS in the gay community in the United States.

Gay Men and HIV/AIDS

Almost 30 years ago, the first cases of HIV were reported in gay men. Today, new generations of gay men continue to bear the burden of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. A new CDC analysis finds that approximately one in five (19 percent) men who have sex with men (MSM) in 21 major U.S. cities is infected with HIV and nearly half (44 percent) of them are unaware of their infection. Furthermore, young MSM and MSM of color are the least likely to know their HIV status. The findings were published in the September 24 issue of CDC'sMorbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The recent MMWR study underscores the importance of frequent HIV testing among gay and bisexual men and other MSM. CDC recommends that MSM of all ages get an HIV test at least once a year, or every three to six months if they are at increased risk because of multiple or anonymous sex partners or use of drugs during sex. 

Furthermore, it is critical for MSM in the United States to understand the significance of testing. Undiagnosed infection is likely playing a major role in the transmission of HIV, with a majority of new sexually transmitted HIV infections likely transmitted by individuals who are unaware of their infection. Studies show that once people learn they are HIV-infected; most take steps to protect their health and that of their partners.

National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

NGMHAAD was founded by the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) in 2008. Among NAPWA's goals is to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS among gay men; to encourage HIV testing, early diagnosis and linkage to care; and to promote better understanding of the complex factors that drive HIV transmission among this population.

For 2010, community leaders are asked to respond to HIV's devastating toll on gay and bisexual men in America's major cities by making HIV prevention a key priority and recognizing and supporting the ongoing efforts to combat HIV.

What Can You Do?

  • Get tested for HIV. To find a testing site near you, call 1-800-CDC-INFO, visit hivtest.org, or, on your cell phone, text your zip code to Know IT (566948).
  • Learn more at CDC's New MSM Health Site.
    Find out about HIV/AIDS and other health issues that affect gay men from CDC's new website on the health of MSM
  • Speak Out against stigma, homophobia, racism, and other forms of discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS.
  • Donate time and money to HIV/AIDS organizations that work with gay men.

by cdc