zephyr
07-29-03, - 02:46 PM
For the first time in 10 years, the level of new AIDS cases seems to be on the increase according to federal health officials in the USA.
In 2002, the amount of Americans diagnosed with AIDS enlarged by 2.2%; the first time since 1993- based on preliminary data from the CDC in Atlanta.
This is no doubt a disturbing trend- in light of the intensive efforts to curb the disease through educational campaigns over the last decade. It is believed that the general increase in new infections of HIV is attributed to
the sexual practices of gay men in particular.
There have been signals over recent years that ‘risky’ sexual behavior has been escalating among homosexual men in the United States, mainly ‘younger’ ones- thereby influencing the spread of HIV significantly. Yes, the major concern is the ‘resurgent’ epidemic in gay men- according to health officials.
It is believed, that the effective advancements in treating HIV and AIDS during the mid 1990s- and patients living much longer than in the early days of the virus as a consequence- might be leading to complacency in the general population; especially as the rate of AIDS related deaths continue to decline. It did by some 5.9% in 2002 – in the U.S.
We appear to be in the mid of a social time bomb in the Americas and the world, because of HIV and AIDS. But as usual- who cares?
©2003 Dennis Dames
Nassau, Bahamas
Dennis Dames Domain (http://www.geocities.com/dpoetry2002/Dennis_Dames.html)
In 2002, the amount of Americans diagnosed with AIDS enlarged by 2.2%; the first time since 1993- based on preliminary data from the CDC in Atlanta.
This is no doubt a disturbing trend- in light of the intensive efforts to curb the disease through educational campaigns over the last decade. It is believed that the general increase in new infections of HIV is attributed to
the sexual practices of gay men in particular.
There have been signals over recent years that ‘risky’ sexual behavior has been escalating among homosexual men in the United States, mainly ‘younger’ ones- thereby influencing the spread of HIV significantly. Yes, the major concern is the ‘resurgent’ epidemic in gay men- according to health officials.
It is believed, that the effective advancements in treating HIV and AIDS during the mid 1990s- and patients living much longer than in the early days of the virus as a consequence- might be leading to complacency in the general population; especially as the rate of AIDS related deaths continue to decline. It did by some 5.9% in 2002 – in the U.S.
We appear to be in the mid of a social time bomb in the Americas and the world, because of HIV and AIDS. But as usual- who cares?
©2003 Dennis Dames
Nassau, Bahamas
Dennis Dames Domain (http://www.geocities.com/dpoetry2002/Dennis_Dames.html)