MAP Advocate
AIDS Advocacy Update
Vol. 8 No. 7
April 23, 2002
In this issue:
The Minnesota Department of Health released new epidemiological ("epi") data about HIV in Minnesota. It provides a picture of where we stand as of December 31, 2002.
In this issue of the MAP Advocate, we provide an overview of the highlights
from the 2001 report. However, we encourage you to look at all of the
data, available at the Minnesota Department of Health Web site: www.health.state.mn.us
New infections reported among white men, primarily gay and bisexual men increased 40 percent in 2001, according to data released last week by the Minnesota Department of Health.
Experts cautioned not to read the figures as a trend. However, a significant number of new syphilis infections were also reported among gay and bisexual men, and the unusually high incidence of HIV among African American gay and bisexual men continues.
MAP considers the combined data to be evidence the trend of increases in the gay/bi HIV and STD health risks in other areas of the country is also applies to Minnesota, and is reason for alarm.
According to the Department of Health, "The number of new infections diagnosed among African-born persons in Minnesota has steadily increased from seven cases in 1990 to 46 in 2001.
During this time, there was also a significant increase in African immigration to Minnesota. Among new HIV infections diagnosed in 2001, 16 percent were among African-born persons." MDH describes the epidemic among African-born populations as an "emerging trend" in Minnesota; another reflection of the expanding impact of the HIV epidemic.
30 percent of the new infections reported in Minnesota were among people living outside of the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, yet in the seven-county metropolitan area. 45 percent were among people living in Minneapolis and 15 percent in Saint Paul. Reflecting a trend that has extended throughout the 20 years of the epidemic, 10 percent were reported living in Greater Minnesota.
Reports of new infections among African Americans appear to be leveling off and had a slight decline in 2001. The good news is that increased awareness and education efforts targeting African Americans, which need to be increased and sustained, may be starting to have an effect. However, the numbers only represent those who have been tested. What remains unknown is how many are HIV-positive and have not yet tested.
Epidemic Appears to be Cross-Generational
33 percent of the new infections reported in 2001 were among younger people under 30. However, 56 percent were among people in there thirties. The average age of people reporting HIV infections in Minnesota has been gradually tracking upward through the past ten years.
Snapshot of People Living with HIV in Minnesota
More people are living with HIV in Minnesota today than ever before. 4,331 individuals are assumed to be alive and living with HIV in the state.
Mission & Values | Executive Director | Board of Directors | Annual Report | Publications | Calendar of Events | Employment | Contact Us
Last Updated:
Friday, March 30, 2007
[an error occurred while processing this directive]