The Reemerging HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Men Who Have Sex With Men

Jaffe et al examine current HIV/AIDS epidemiology in men who have sex with men (MSM) in industrialized countries, particularly on the US. They discuss why the epidemic may be re-emerging, and describe what can be done to address it. Although there is recognition and reporting of MSM with HIV/AIDS from low-income and middle-income countries, including those in Africa and Asia where interventions for MSM are few, cultural stigma may be strong, and homosexuality may be illegal. Moreover, public health has limits and should not promise more than it can deliver;nonetheless, advances can occur through open discussion, increased HIV testing, funding to develop and implement evidence-based public health interventions, leadership from the gay community and public health officials, and recognition of the role of personal action. Furthermore, failure to address these difficult issues implies that the HIV/AIDS epidemic in MSM must be accepted as inevitable. The tragedy of the epidemic for an earlier generation of MSM must not be repeated.