New HIV Infections Decline in U.S., But Racial Disparities and Access Gaps Persist

The rate of new HIV infections in the U.S. dropped 12% from 2017 to 2021, largely due to a decrease in cases among young gay and bisexual men.
While HIV testing and access to treatment and prevention options like PrEP have increased, disparities remain in who can access them, with more white men receiving them than Black and Hispanic men.
Though men who have sex with men still make up the majority of new infections, especially among younger people, overall rates are declining thanks to increased knowledge of HIV status and use of medications to prevent infection.
However, the U.S. is not on track to meet the goal of reducing new HIV infections 90% by 2030, and more resources are needed to address inequities in the response.
Targeted campaigns aim to raise awareness and increase access to PrEP in populations and regions with the highest rates of infection and the lowest levels of treatment and prevention.