The latest HIV Surveillance Annual Report reveals a troubling rise in HIV diagnoses in New York City, highlighting the challenges posed by potential federal budget cuts. In 2024, the city recorded 1,791 new cases of HIV, marking a 5.4% increase compared to 2023. This surge raises alarms among health officials, particularly as the federal government considers significant funding reductions for HIV prevention programs.
In Staten Island specifically, there were 39 new diagnoses in 2024, with a total of 2,608 borough residents living with HIV, leading to 44 HIV-related deaths within the same year. The report underscores stark racial and ethnic disparities in new HIV infections, attributing these disparities to systemic issues such as structural racism and inequitable access to healthcare. According to a press release from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, approximately 86% of individuals newly diagnosed with HIV in 2024 were Black or Latino/Latina.
Concerns Over Federal Funding Cuts
As the city grapples with rising infection rates, concerns mount over impending federal budget cuts. The proposed elimination of the entire Division of HIV Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) could jeopardize crucial resources. Reports indicate that this move would entirely eliminate $755 million in CDC funding designated for HIV prevention. If these cuts are enacted, New York City’s health department anticipates losing over $41 million in funding, which is essential for identifying new HIV cases, connecting patients to treatment, and providing partner services.
While there has been notable progress in reducing HIV diagnoses in New York City over the past 25 years—showing more than a 70% decrease since 2001—city health experts emphasize that this momentum has stalled. Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse noted, “In the last three decades, we’ve made immense progress toward ending the HIV epidemic in New York City. Yet this progress has stalled as new diagnoses have increased or remained stable for the fourth year in a row.”
The combination of rising diagnoses and potential funding cuts creates a challenging landscape for public health in New York City. Health officials are calling for urgent action to ensure that resources remain available to combat the ongoing HIV epidemic effectively. The data not only highlights the immediate need for continued support but also serves as a critical reminder of the systemic issues that contribute to health disparities in vulnerable communities.
