While the nation has seen a significant decrease in HIV transmission in recent years, transmission rates have risen sharply in Arizona, according to an ABC 15 report.
From 2010 to 2015, HIV rates in the U.S. dropped by approximately 9 percent. In Arizona, HIV transmission increased by 35 percent during the same time period, according to the report.
"This is a public health issue that we now have the resources to completely prevent," Glen Spencer, executive director of Aunt Rita's Foundation, an HIV prevention group based in Phoenix, told ABC-15. "Right now there are some limitations in state law that put up barriers to young kids getting education — comprehensive sex education in school."
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
Since 1991, Arizona law has prohibited educational programs that "promote" a homosexual lifestyle.
"There's still a perception that talking honestly about HIV and HIV transmission somehow is a bad thing," said Mr. Spencer.
More articles on infection control:
Minnesota measles outbreak up to 34 cases — vaccine safety challenged at Twin City meeting
Top 10 infection control stories, April 24-28
20 latest findings on C. diff