According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one million persons in the United States are infected by HIV as of 2010. This staggering statistic identifies the importance of AIDS prevention efforts. Populations at greatest risk for developing HIV and prevention methods that are effective should be considered when planning AIDS prevention programs.
HIV and AIDS in the United States
Although many advances have been made with HIV treatment, there is still a need for campaigns that address HIV prevention. There are 56,300 new HIV infections every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 18,000 persons die every year from HIV.
Populations at Risk
Certain populations are at a higher risk for contracting HIV, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Men who have sex with men account for 53 percent of new infections. Over 30 percent of persons contracting AIDS contract it through heterosexual contact. Injection drug users account for 12 percent of new HIV diagnoses annually. Although blacks account for 12 percent of the U.S. population, they are disproportionately affected by HIV, as they account for 45 percent of new infections every year. Hispanics account for 17 percent of new infections.
Prevention Methods
HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids. This includes unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles for injecting drugs, and during childbirth. Prevention methods include using condoms or delaying sexual intercourse until HIV status is known and not sharing needles. It is important for expectant mothers who are at risk to know their status so that prevention measures can be implemented for their child.
Screening for HIV
For individuals who are at risk, getting tested for HIV is one of the most important ways of preventing new infections. HIV testing also provides health care providers with the opportunity to educate individuals on HIV prevention. Knowing HIV status can give a person a chance to practice prevention methods and start HIV treatment if necessary to prevent opportunistic infections, or illnesses that can be detrimental to persons with HIV. According to the CDC, testing is important for maintaining health and reducing the spread of HIV.
Prevention Programs
HIV prevention focuses on prevention of sexual transmission through comprehensive sex education programs, encouraging abstinence, monogamy and use of condoms. Needle exchange programs and programs that educate injection drug users on the importance of not sharing needles are also available. In addition, health care workers are taught about prevention through the use of universal precautions while handling potentially infectious material.
