In recent years, the Latino population in the United States has seen a concerning rise in HIV infections. According to the latest figures released by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Latinos or Hispanic people accounted for nearly a third of new HIV diagnoses in 2022, despite representing less than 20% of the total population.

Among all racial and ethnic groups, Hispanic people have the second highest rate of new HIV diagnoses, with approximately 19 new cases for every 100,000 people. This rate is almost double the national average, and the number of new diagnoses is rapidly increasing. While Black people still have the highest share of HIV diagnoses, their numbers have been declining over the years, down nearly 6% since 2018.

Latino advocates and health policy experts have been concerned about this trend for years, citing various factors contributing to the higher HIV rates among Latinos. These include a high number of uninsured individuals, socio-economic instability, and a lack of access to mental health and substance abuse services. In 2021, the uninsured rate among Hispanic or Latino people was nearly 18%, one of the highest compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

Stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV within Latino communities also play a significant role in how individuals handle their diagnosis. Many face feelings of guilt, disgust, and fear of being rejected by their loved ones. Moreover, the taboo nature of discussing sexual health, especially for those who identify as LGBTQ+, creates additional barriers in seeking support and accessing appropriate resources.

The rise in HIV infections has prompted individuals like Felix Hernandez to take action. Hernandez, an HVAC technician who has been living with HIV, has dedicated his time to supporting others in a Tennessee clinic by helping administer HIV tests. He understands the importance of having someone who can relate and provide support, especially when the medical staff may not completely understand the experience of living with HIV.

Organizations such as Entre Hermanos in Seattle are also stepping up their efforts to address the increasing HIV cases among Latinos. They provide a range of services, including testing, medical case management, support groups, and access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication – a highly effective preventive measure against HIV transmission.

However, more needs to be done to increase awareness of HIV and PrEP within the community. Martha Zuñiga, deputy director for Entre Hermanos, stresses the need for increased education and access to resources, highlighting the lack of sexual education at home and in schools. Efforts should be made to ensure that institutions and the community at large promote awareness and provide the necessary support.

Advocates are calling for a comprehensive approach to address the escalating HIV rates in the Latino community. This includes equitable distribution of resources, eliminating barriers to care, and building a "Latino HIV workforce." Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, co-chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS, emphasized the importance of focusing on the needs and issues faced by the Latino community beyond just border and migration matters.

To combat the HIV epidemic, medical providers are urged to offer routine HIV and STD testing, potentially incorporating them with common tests such as blood sugar and cholesterol screenings. By normalizing these services, more individuals can be reached and provided with the care they need.

The alarming statistics surrounding HIV infections among Latinos serve as a reminder of the urgent need for action and support within this community. Increased efforts at all levels are required to raise awareness, provide education, and ensure access to vital resources in the fight against HIV/AIDS.