NETHERLANDS – For the first time in almost 15 years, the HIV rate is on the rise among gay and bisexual men in Amsterdam.
The latest findings, reported in the journal AIDS, included 1,642 gay and bisexual men in Amsterdam who were followed for up to 25 years. At the start of the study, the yearly rate of new HIV infections was 8.6 percent of men. That dropped to 1.3 percent by 1992. The latest results show an increase to 2 percent.
The biggest risk factor for HIV was unprotected sex with a casual partner, according to the study.
“There is no doubt that prevention should continue to focus on their sexual behavior with casual partners,” writes Dr. Iralice A.V. Jansen of the Public Health Service of Amsterdam. They add that “targeted prevention messages” are called for.
