Young Men Who Have Sex With Men Lead Progress in HIV Prevention and Treatment, But Disparities Still Exist

The data suggests that more people in this age group know their HIV status than in 2017 (56% up from 42%) and use PrEP (20% of those who would benefit from it up from just 8% in 2017). Among those in this age group living with HIV, 68% have reached viral suppression compared to 60% in 2017.

Across all age groups the most progress has been seen in the proportion of people using PrEP. The CDC estimates that 1.2 million people could benefit from this prevention strategy yet in 2017 only 13% of this group had been prescribed PrEP. By 2021 this number had jumped to 30%. Again, however, coverage is uneven with far fewer Black or Hispanic people receiving PrEP compared to white people.

Similarly, while overall rates of viral suppression among people living with HIV went up slightly, rates remain unequal. Reaching viral suppression is a sign that a person living with HIV is successfully receiving the ongoing treatment they need.

CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky said that while the new data shows progress, “Longstanding factors, such as systemic inequities, social and economic marginalization and residential segregation…stand between highly effective HIV treatment and prevention and people who could benefit from them. Efforts must be accelerated and strengthened for progress to reach all groups faster and equitably.”