HIV - Almost 1 in 5 sexually active gay

Almost 1 in 5 sexually active gay or bisexual men in the US has HIV; but 44% of them do not know they are infected. During the 2008 National Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) systems study of 8,153 sexually active gay/bisexual males in 21 cities, some disturbing trends presented themselves. The report revealed that:
*28 % of African American sexually active gay/bi men were infected
*18% of Hispanic sexually active gay/bi men were infected (Hispanic meaning South American decent, not including people from Spain)
* 16% of Caucasian sexually active gay/bi men were infected
There was, and always has been a socioeconomic differentiation in those who test positive for HIV. Infection rates are typically higher among people with low-income and poor education. Previous studies have shown that this distinction is similar in heterosexual populations as well.
Official figures for HIV infection rates in 2006 showed 40,000 new infection cases annually; But the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) says that figure should have been about 40% higher-closer to 56,000. The initial under-calculation may amount to a short fall of approximately 15,000 new cases per year for 15 years, totaling an additional 225,000 new cases.
There is no doubt that more must be done to educate and empower high risk communities like MSM (Men who have sex with men) but just how to bring about a real change is a question plaguing lawmakers and civilians alike.
Undoubtedly, the very first step is prevention and using responsible sexual practices –i.e.: Wearing Condoms. An HIV test is simple to perform and is offered at a nominal fee. All sexually active individuals homosexual or otherwise should have a routine HIV screening at least once a year.

Source : http://www.labbocaraton.com/std-testing/hiv-testing.html