A new report on the number of District residents living with HIV and AIDS showed that 3.2 percent of the city, triple the standard World Health Organization rate for an epidemic, still suffer from the afflictions — but the report did note a decline in the number of new cases.
Based on preliminary 2009 figures (which are the latest available), at least 16,721 Washington residents were aware that they had HIV or AIDS, a slight increase over 2008. The study also shows that 13 percent of active drug users in the District are HIV-positive, while the disease continues to disproportionally affect Hispanic, black and over-50 residents, as well as those who live in Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8.
However, the number of new cases declined from 1,311 in 2007 to 755 in 2009. The report credits needle-exchange programs for a 60 percent decline in the transmission of HIV/AIDS via intravenous drug use, and also notes that 75 percent of residents diagnosed as HIV-positive entered into treatment within three months, an increase over 58 percent in 2005. Deaths, late testing and HIV to AIDS progressions also declined in 2009. Experts warn, though, that it is too early to characterize that decline as a “substantial change in the District’s epidemic.”
“We are getting people diagnosed earlier and into care and treatment faster for their health, thereby reducing the chances that others will get infected,” said Mayor Vince Gray during a press conference this morning. Gray also noted that he was “looking forward” to hearing recommendations from the Mayor’s Commission on HIV and AIDS.
The entire report can be read below.
