HIV/AIDS in the African American Community
HIV/AIDS is wreaking havoc in our community.
Why?
One reason is that we are not being honest with ourselves or others. We are
also still in denial that we can't get this deadly disease.
You cannot tell if a person has HIV or AIDS by the way they look. Such a
misconception has probably led to the deadly impact the disease is having on
many of our sisters, brothers, friends and family. The numbers below give us
insight into what ignoring the facts is doing to our community.
Although African Americans make up only about 12 percent of the U.S.
population, they accounted for half of the new HIV infections reported in
the United States in 2001. Studies suggest that most new infections occur
among young African Americans.
More Unsettling Statistics
Reported HIV Infections by Race, 20011
N=35,575
Source: Center for Disease Control
| Reported HIV Infections By Gender and Race 20011 |
Men
N=23,899 |
Women
N=11,133 |
 |
 |
| Source: Center for Disease Control |
What we have to realize is that the above number may be larger. Due to the
social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, many of us are afraid to get tested.
This fear can have a costly result.
How can we improve these numbers?
- Testing is confidential.
- Don't remain in denial about your status or sexuality.
As an example, one study noted that African American men who have sex with
men consider themselves heterosexual. As a result, they are probably not honest
with the woman in their lives about their bisexuality. The startling statistics
for African American women illustrate this point.
December 1, 2003 is World AIDS Day.
For more information about getting tested
Call 1-800-342-2437 or Log on to www.hivtest.org
to find a testing center near you.
Protect your Loved Ones and Future Generations
...Get Tested Today!
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