2014 Minnesota HIV report shows increase in new cases
Targeted education, prevention, testing and connection to health care critical
MINNEAPOLIS, April 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- According to statistics released by the Minnesota Department of Health, 307 confirmed new cases of HIV were reported in Minnesota during 2014. The 307 new cases represent a 2 percent increase from 2014. The Minnesota AIDS Project, the leading source for HIV information and services in Minnesota, believes that this data demonstrates the importance of HIV prevention, testing and comprehensive sex education.
The report also shows that certain communities continue to be hit harder by the disease than others, especially gay and bisexual men of all races who make up 67 percent of new cases. Among the 73 new infections among women, women of color continue to be impacted most dramatically, accounting for 80 percent of new cases among women.
These statistics demonstrate that there is a great deal of work to be done to encourage all communities to know their status through testing and quickly connect to care when a positive diagnosis is received. Education, outreach and testing, combined with accessible health care, are all vital in reducing the risk of transmission.
"Three hundred seven new cases of HIV is completely unacceptable. In 2015 there is absolutely no reason to continue to see so many people infected by HIV," said Matt Toburen, Director of Public Policy and Prevention at the Minnesota AIDS Project.
The prevention, testing, education, and connection to health care provided by the Minnesota AIDS Project are a critical piece of a community wide effort to stop HIV in all communities. "We have the tools and the knowledge to cut new infections in half but we lack the political will and funding to make it happen. Funding for HIV prevention in Minnesota is at the lowest levels since the 1990's. We call on our political leaders to commit to making the fight against HIV a priority in Minnesota," urged Toburen.
The Minnesota AIDS Project, along with community partners, is working toward a comprehensive statewide HIV prevention plan that is well resourced to make a difference in all communities at risk for infection.
For additional information, contact Melissa Conway at 612-373-9164 or [email protected].
Summary: HIV prevention and education methods, combined with testing and access to quality healthcare, are critical to reach target populations of individuals at the greatest risk of transmission. There is still a great deal of work to be done to prevent new infections in all communities. Education, outreach and testing continue to play a critical role in reducing the risk of transmission.
About Minnesota AIDS Project
The Minnesota AIDS Project's mission is to lead Minnesota's fight to stop HIV through prevention, advocacy, awareness, and services. www.mnaidsproject.org.
Contact: Melissa Conway
612-373-9164 desk
[email protected]
SOURCE Minnesota AIDS Project
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