Despite New York City’s overall decline in new HIV cases between 2003 and 2007, the number of newly diagnosed teens increased from 118 to 172 during that same time period, according to U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner (D–Brooklyn-Queens) and reported in the New York Post.

Weiner released the numbers May 17 in conjunction with his push to increase sex education funding in city schools and remove restrictions that force educators to promote abstinence as the only form of “safe” sex.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, youth ages 13 to 24 account for 34 percent of those who are newly diagnosed. Of those, black and Latino youth, straight and gay, are most affected.

Read POZ’s “Clueless” to learn more about young people and HIV. POZ, a publication for people living with HIV/AIDS, is Real Health’s sister magazine.