Death toll falls in US for first time
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Death toll falls in US for first time
Giving fresh hope in the battle against Aids, the numbers of deaths from the disease fell significantly in the US during the first half of 1996. This is the first fall since the disease was first detected in 1981.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reported that deaths from Aids fell by roughly 12 per cent over the six-month period. The decline was registered in all regions of the country, although its extent varied between different ethnic groups. Deaths among whites fell by 21 per cent, for example, but only by 2 per cent among African Americans.
The drop, which compared with a startling 30 per cent decline recently reported by New York City for the whole of 1996, was attributed to various factors, including the recent introduction of promising new drugs called protease inhibitors. Experts also cited improved Aids awareness programmes and improved access to care for sufferers of the disease.
President Bill Clinton welcomed the figures, but added: "It is also clear that the Aids epidemic is not over". David Usborne, New York
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments