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AIDS - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome - was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. In the hardest-hit countries, AIDS is dramatically reducing life expectancy and economic potential, increasing the vulnerability of future generations by creating millions of orphans, and diminishing the capacity of public and private sectors. In some parts of Africa, AIDS has significantly exacerbated the already severe problems of food security.

Worldwide, experts believe that the rate of new HIV infections could escalate by 25% or more by 2005. Although the challenges posed by HIV are daunting, powerful tools are at our disposal to prevent new infections, deliver effective treatments, and ease the harsh impacts of the epidemic. Yet the epidemic - together with its associated mortality rates and societal effects - is expanding much faster than the rate at which program are being implemented. To meet these challenges, the worldwide response must outpace the epidemic itself.

Over 55,500 new HIV cases occurred each year from 2003-2006, with 56,300 cases in 2006 alone.

Washington, DC - Re-evaluation of HIV incidence data at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that over 55,500 new HIV cases occurred each year from 2003-2006, with 56,300 cases in 2006 alone. These numbers are approximately 40% higher than the CDC’s previous estimate of 40,000 new HIV cases annually, an estimate that had remained the same for over ten years.

“It's admirable that the CDC took the necessary steps to uncover more accurate information, "said Creola Kizart-Hampton, executive director of The Cause Worldwide Outreach, "these numbers indicate that prevention measures in the Untied States have not been effective. "Just as the Black church was the key to the effectiveness of the Civil Rights movement, the people of God are the key to turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in our communities.

Teaching and testing to provide information and combat the spirit of judgment associated with the virus can help to reduce the number of new infections. The old saying "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" needs to be amended in the case of HIV . . . we need a POUND of prevention since the cure for HIV has not yet been found." The distribution of HIV in communities of color has remained relatively the same, despite the new numbers from the CDC. Nearly half - 45% - of all new HIV cases occur among African Americans, followed by Latinos at 17%; Asian and Pacific Islanders at 2%, and Native Americans at 1%. African American women and men who have sex with men (MSM) of color also are testing positive for HIV in shockingly high numbers.

 Cases of AIDS

 From 2001 through 2005, the estimated number of AIDS cases  increased approximately 7% . In 2005, the estimated rate of AIDS  cases in the 50 states and the District of Columbia was 13.7 per  100,000 population.

• Age Group: From 2001 through 2005 the estimated number of AIDS cases increased in the following age groups: 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, and 65 years and older. The largest number of AIDS cases occurred among persons aged 40–44 years and accounted for 20% of all AIDS cases diagnosed in 2005 in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.



• Race/Ethnicity: From 2001 through 2005, the estimated number of AIDS cases increased among all racial and ethnic groups. In 2005, rates of AIDS cases were 54.1 per 100,000 in the black population, 18.0 per 100,000 in the Hispanic population, 7.4 per 100,000 in the American Indian/Alaska Native population, 5.9 per 100,000 in the white population, and 3.6 per 100,000 in the Asian/Pacific Islander population.



• Sex: From 2001 through 2005, the estimated number of AIDS cases increased 7% among females and 7% among males.



• Transmission Category: From 2001 through 2005 increased among females exposed through high-risk heterosexual contact.



• Religion: From 2001 through 2005, the estimated number of AIDS cases increased 24% in the Midwest, 9% in the South and 2% in the Northeast, and decreased 3% in the West.