NYC HIV Diagnoses Rise, But Experts Say Testing Increase Plays Role
New York City saw an increase in new HIV diagnoses in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, health officials say this surge doesn’t indicate a true rise in infections but rather points to a resurgence in testing following a dip during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite the overall uptick, experts are emphasizing the need for continued efforts to improve equitable access to HIV prevention and care. Some communities, particularly low-income communities of color, continue to experience disproportionately high rates of new infections.
“We at the health department, and certainly our partners, are conscious 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.
Understanding the Increase
New York City reported 1,686 new HIV diagnoses in 2023, a 7.6% increase from the previous year. While this figure may appear alarming, the city health department estimates that actual new cases declined 17% in 2023. This discrepancy is attributed to individuals who were likely infected before 2023 getting tested for the first time in recent years.
Braunstein noted that someone can live with HIV “for quite a few years without symptoms, without illness, and without ever testing for HIV.”
While the Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan had the highest rate of new infections in 2023, other heavily affected areas were primarily low-income communities of color, including Harlem, East New York and parts of the Bronx. The report also highlights a concerning disparity: Chelsea, despite its high infection rates, had relatively low mortality rates compared to other affected neighborhoods, illustrating the impact of access to healthcare.
Addressing Health Inequities
Advocates emphasize the urgent need to address these health inequities and improve access to critical services, including Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a medication that significantly reduces the risk of contracting HIV.
“It’s very similar to the overdose data that we see, which 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 organization that advocates for people living with HIV/AIDS as well as providing health care and social services.
While statewide PrEP use has increased, Black New Yorkers have seen slower growth in recent years compared to White New Yorkers. This highlights the need for targeted outreach and initiatives to ensure equitable access to prevention medications.
“We must remain vigilant and, like we did this year, work to protect funding for important citywide programs that we know work,” said Patrick McGovern, CEO of Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, which primarily serves LGBTQ patients.
NYC and State Efforts to End the Epidemic
These local efforts align with New York State’s “Ending the Epidemic” initiative, which aims to dramatically reduce new HIV diagnoses. However, the state still confronts significant challenges in meeting its ambitious goals. Recent data reveals that New York needs to accelerate progress to achieve its target of reducing new HIV diagnoses to 1,515 or fewer annually by the end of 2024.
“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
The state plans to release its own HIV surveillance data next week and host an “Ending the Epidemic” summit in Albany.
Take Action
Learn more about HIV prevention and testing resources in your area. Visit nyc.gov/doh or health.ny.gov to connect with local health services and support organizations.