By: Tamara A. Henry EdD
Since 1981, we have watched the evolution of HIV/AIDS ravage and rebound among white men who have sex with men to a primarily Black/African American disease. Specific occurrences in history, particularly during the 90s, acted as a conduit to the story we currently see unfolding. At the height of the HIV epidemic was the use of illicit drugs in urban epicenters from New York City to Los Angeles. There was an open declaration of the War on Drugs, increased rates of mass incarceration, poverty, and economic turmoil which created the perfect storm for an epidemic.
One may ask, Is HIV still an issue in 2023?
Even though innovations for diagnosing, treating, and testing for HIV have made the disease much more manageable, such that people are living longer, the HIV rates among Black people and especially Black women should give us pause.
Data suggests:
· Although Black/African Americans represent almost 13 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for 42.1 percent of HIV infection cases in 2019.
· In 2020, African Americans were 7.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with HIV infection, as compared to the white population.
· African American men have 8.1 times the AIDS rate as compared to white males.
· African American women have 15 times the AIDS rate as compared to white women.
· African American men are 6.0 times as likely to die from HIV infection as non-Hispanic white men.
· African American women are 15.3 times as likely to die from HIV infection as white women.Â
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=21
Black women are vulnerable to HIV! Among women in the United States, Black women lead in HIV infections. One out of four new HIV infections is Black women. Further, the vast majority of HIV infections are transmitted through heterosexual contact. More importantly, Black women are having sex in communities where HIV is prevalent which makes them more susceptible to infection.
Knowing your HIV status is critical to Ending the HIV Epidemic. Prioritizing yourself is essential to having optimal health. HIV is not a death sentence. It is a chronic disease like hypertension or diabetes that requires an early diagnosis and treatment to have the most favorable outcome. Chronic diseases such as HIV should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Talk to your health care provider about your health concerns and ASK your provider for an HIV test as a part of your annual physical and make an HIV test a part of your health care routine.
Black women are resilient, and strong pillars of their community. Self-care is self-love and it is imperative for Black women to know their HIV status and #TakeTheTest/ #GetTested. To find out where to get HIV tested, go to: https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/hiv-testing/learn-about-hiv-testing/where-to-get-tested/
June 27th is National HIV Testing Day and knowing your status is paramount to living your best life by keeping you and your partner(s) safe.
