More New Yorkers were diagnosed with HIV in 2023 than in 2022, according to the city health department’s latest annual report on the virus.But public health officials said that doesn’t mean the virus that causes AIDS is on the rise after years of decline.
The increase likely points to more people getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases again after a dip in testing and care during the COVID-19 pandemic,the officials said. Nonetheless,advocates say more work is necessary to improve equitable access to care and prevention,as some communities continue to have much higher rates of new infections.
“We at the health department, and certainly our partners, are conscious and of and talking about the need to really redouble efforts to get HIV and sexual health services back on the minds of New Yorkers, remind them that the infrastructure exists, that services are available,” said Dr. Sarah Braunstein, the assistant commissioner for the city’s health department’s Bureau of Hepatitis, HIV and STIs.
In 2023, 1,686 people in New York City were newly diagnosed with HIV, up 7.6% from the prior year. That figure likely includes some people who contracted the virus prior to 2023.The city health department estimates, based on its own formula, that actual new cases of the virus were down 17% last year.
While Manhattan’s Chelsea—a relatively wealthy and historically gay area—had the highest rate of new infections of any neighborhood in 2023, the other areas that were hardest hit were primarily low-income communities of color, including Harlem, East New York, and parts of the Bronx, the city’s report found.
Advances in medicine mean HIV is no longer the death sentence it onc was, but not everyone has the same access to care. Despite having high rates of HIV infection, Chelsea had relatively low mortality rates compared to other affected neighborhoods, according to the report.
“It’s very similar to the overdose data that we see, wich is basically like the disparities that have persisted for decades are the same or worse,” said Seth Pollack, director of community mobilization at Housing Works, an institution that advocates for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as providing health care and social services.
Braunstein acknowledged that the city needs to do more targeted outreach to reduce disparities in HIV prevention and care, including the use of PrEP, a medication that greatly reduces the chances of contracting HIV from someone who is infected. She said there has been some progress, but state data shows that while PrEP use has gone up growth in the number of Black New Yorkers taking PrEP has started to level off in recent years. The number of white New Yorkers taking it has continued to increase significantly.
“We must remain vigilant and, like we did this year, work to protect funding for critically important citywide programs that we certainly know work,” said Patrick McGovern, CEO of callen-Lorde Community Health Center, which primarily serves LGBTQ patients.
At the last minute this year, Mayor Eric Adams reversed proposed budget cuts to a program that helps keep HIV patients’ viral levels “undetectable”—meaning they are virtually unable to transmit the virus to others.
The latest city data on HIV arrives as the state is also nearing the deadline to achieve a series of metrics aligned with its “Ending the Epidemic” initiative. The Gov. Andrew Cuomo-era initiative initially set a deadline of 2020, but that was pushed by the pandemic to the end of 2024.
State data shows New York still has much to do in order to achieve its goals, including its aim of reducing the annual number of new HIV diagnoses statewide to 1,515 or fewer.
“Addressing persistent health inequities, the social determinants of health and racial disparities remains the center of our focus as we move forward with ending the epidemic efforts in New York state,” said Cadence Acquaviva, a spokesperson for the state health department.
She said that next week, the state will release its own HIV surveillance along with holding an “Ending the Epidemic” summit in Albany.
What are the main reasons behind the increase in HIV diagnoses in New York City in 2023?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr.Sarah Braunstein
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Braunstein. We’re pleased to have you here to discuss the latest findings from the New York City health department’s annual report on HIV. The report indicates an increase in HIV diagnoses in 2023 compared to 2022.What can you tell us about the context behind this rise?
Dr. Sarah Braunstein: Thank you for having me. While it may seem alarming that more New Yorkers were diagnosed with HIV this year, it’s essential to highlight that this increase is likely not indicative of a resurgence of the virus. What we’re seeing is a rebound in testing following a significant dip during the COVID-19 pandemic. People are starting to engage more with sexual health services again, which is promising.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. How has the pandemic impacted HIV testing and care specifically?
Dr. Sarah braunstein: The COVID-19 pandemic forced many public health services to redirect their focus and resources, which understandably reduced HIV testing and preventative care. This led to a substantial drop in diagnoses, but it also meant that many people who would have received routine screenings or care for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections didn’t get them. Now, as services are returning to normal, we’re seeing those numbers reflect what we might have expected earlier.
Time.news Editor: Given this context, what should we understand about the disparities within communities regarding new infections?
Dr. Sarah Braunstein: That’s a crucial point. Despite this overall increase in testing, certain communities are still experiencing disproportionately high rates of new infections. This highlights the ongoing challenge of equitable access to healthcare and prevention services. We need to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, has access to these vital resources.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like there’s much work ahead. What steps is the health department taking to address these disparities and improve access to care?
Dr. Sarah Braunstein: We’re actively discussing and developing strategies to reinvigorate awareness around HIV and sexual health services. This includes educational campaigns to remind New yorkers that resources are available and that testing is accessible. We’re also partnering with community organizations to reach out to those populations moast affected and ensure that they have the necessary support and resources.
Time.news Editor: How important is community engagement in these efforts?
Dr. Sarah Braunstein: Community engagement is absolutely critical. Trust is fundamental in public health interventions. By collaborating with local organizations that have established relationships within their communities, we can better tailor our programs to meet the specific needs and concerns of those populations. It’s about building relationships and ensuring that everyone feels empowered to take control of their health.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Braunstein,thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear there’s both a challenge and an opportunity ahead for HIV prevention and care in New York City.
Dr. Sarah Braunstein: Thank you! It’s a pivotal moment for public health, and I appreciate the platform to discuss these vital issues. Together,we can make significant strides toward reducing HIV rates and fostering a healthier community for all New Yorkers.