The AIDS epidemic at 20 years: the view from America. A national survey of Americans on HIV / AIDS.

On June 5 1981 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its first warning about a relatively rare form of pneumonia among a small group of young gay men in Los Angeles which was later determined to be AIDS-related. Since that time more than 750000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the U.S. and almost half a million Americans have died of the disease. Of the more than 36 million individuals worldwide estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS approximately 95% live in the developing world – a full 70% in sub-Saharan Africa alone. During this twenty-year period there has been a great deal of progress in the fight against AIDS. New infections in the U.S. have declined dramatically and there are signs that new infections in sub-Saharan Africa may be stabilizing. The more widespread use of antiretroviral drugs has also contributed to fewer new AIDS cases and AIDS-related deaths. Despite this progress critical challenges remain. The AIDS epidemic is becoming increasingly complex. Proven prevention programs are not reaching everyone in need. More people are living with HIV/AIDS than ever before and significant disparities exist across age and race. For example while African Americans and Latinos represent 12% and 13% of the U.S. population they represent 47% and 19% of reported cases respectively. An estimated half of all new infections in the U.S. are among those under the age of 25. In addition the high cost of HIV care presents significant barriers to access for people with HIV/AIDS in the United States many of whom are not in regular care and treatment is not available to the vast majority of those living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world. And though progress is steady we are still years away from developing an effective vaccine. (excerpt)