Significant Population Increase

landers (AANHPI) in the United States account for approximately 1 % of total HIV/AIDS cases, but there are alarming indicators of rapid increase. From 2001 to 2004, AANHPIs were the only racial group with a statistically significant percentage increase in annual HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates.1 In a recent CDC MMWR (June 27, 2008), from 2001 to 2006, the largest propor-tionate increase in HIV/AIDS diagnosis rates (255.6% [EAPC = 30.8]) was among Asian/Pacific Islander MSM aged 13-24 years.2 By the end of 2001, the HIV infection rate through heterosexual transmission among AANHPI women was 42%, the highest level among women of all racial groups.3 This is evidence that the HIV/AIDS epidemic among Asian Ameri-can, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander communities demands immediate national attention and requires increased funds and resources