Racial Disparities in HIV Prevalence, Testing, and Care Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Baltimore from 2008 to 2023: Fifteen Years of HIV Behavioral Surveillance

The Baltimore HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) has been characterized by high HIV prevalence and stark racial disparities. We examined trends in HIV infection and service utilization among Baltimore MSM using data from CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) project from 2008 to 2023. A total of 2,180 venue-recruited MSM participated: 68% Black, 19% White, and 13% other/multiple racial identities. By 2023, HIV prevalence remained high (35.4% overall) and disproportionately concentrated among Black MSM (43.9%). From 2008 to 2023, predicted probability of HIV infection declined from 48% to 37% among Black MSM and remained stable at approximately 19% among White MSM. HIV service utilization exceeded 90% by 2023, particularly among Black MSM. These improvements reflect considerable community response and public health investment. Ending the HIV epidemic in Baltimore will require sustained prevention and treatment funding, continued efforts to reduce racial disparities, and focused attention on social determinants of health.