October 15th marks National Hispanic and Latinx HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a time to reflect on the impact of HIV/AIDS on Hispanic and Latinx communities and to highlight the progress made in combating this epidemic. In New York State, significant strides have been made, but challenges remain.

From 2015 to 2022, new HIV diagnoses among Hispanic/Latinx New Yorkers decreased by 24%,  however, Hispanic/Latinx individuals still represent a disproportionate share of all new diagnoses. In 2022, 36% (828 out of 2,313) of all new HIV diagnoses in New York State were among Hispanic/Latinx individuals, even though they make up only 19% of the state’s population.

Ensuring that individuals diagnosed with HIV receive timely care and achieve viral suppression is crucial for their health and for preventing the spread of the virus. In 2022, 80% of Hispanic/Latinx individuals diagnosed with HIV in New York State were linked to care within 30 days, slightly below the state average of 81%. Additionally, 59% of Hispanic/Latinx individuals achieved viral suppression within three months, compared to 58% for the state overall.

Explore more data on new diagnoses here

While the decrease in new diagnoses is encouraging, the data underscores the need for continued focus on prevention, education, and access to care within Hispanic/Latinx communities. Also, broader efforts and resources are essential to address the social determinants of health that contribute to the higher rates of HIV in these communities.