Latinos Account for 22% of All New HIV Infections in U.S.; Testing Urged

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womenspanishLatinos comprise 16% of the U.S. population, but they account for 22% of all new HIV infections in the U.S.

But Latinos often forgo HIV testing due to negative stigma, limited accessibility to testing, limited awareness of the risk of HIV/AIDS, and fear of having to disclose immigrant status.

That’s why it’s important for Latinos to get tested for HIV, according to the Until There’s A Cure, a nonprofit founded in 1993 to create and sell a bracelet to raise funds to increase awareness, and to promote compassion, understanding, and responsibility about HIV/AIDS.

Getting tested does not require disclosure of immigration status, according Until There’s A Cure, and can protect sexual partners from contracting the disease by using condoms, and those who are diagnosed with HIV can begin treatment—20 years ago, contracting HIV meant it was probably only a matter of time before you got sick, but today, you can live a full life as HIV positive, if you know your status.

“Just like preventive cancer screening, regular HIV testing can be life-saving,” according to the nonprofit’s website. “Get tested today.”

By The Numbers By The Numbers

25.1

percent

of Latinos remain without health insurance coverage

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