I know many of you still live with the notion that AIDS is something that happens to other people, but it isn’t. It’s still a disease that’s rampant within our communities and could unfortunately happen to you if you don’t use protection and proper precautions.
The statistics show that HIV and AIDS is still one of the leading causes of death among African-American men and women. According to the CDC, In the United States, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a health crisis for African Americans. At all stages of HIV/AIDS—from infection with HIV to death with AIDS—blacks (including African Americans) are disproportionately affected compared with members of other races and ethnicities.
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to find out your status. Get tested regulary because It could save your life. Remember, BGs always take care of themselves and use protection. Be smart. Knowing is empowering.
Here are some startling facts:
According to the 2000 census, blacks make up approximately 13% of the US population. However, in 2005, blacks accounted for 18,121 (49%) of the estimated 37,331 new HIV/AIDS diagnoses in the United States in the 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting.
Of all black men living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was sexual contact with other men, followed by injection drug use and high-risk heterosexual contact.
Of all black women living with HIV/AIDS, the primary transmission category was high-risk heterosexual contact, followed by injection drug use.
Of the estimated 141 infants perinatally infected with HIV, 91 (65%) were black (CDC, HIV/AIDS Reporting System, unpublished data, December 2006).
Of the estimated 18,849 people under the age of 25 whose diagnosis of HIV/AIDS was made during 2001–2004 in the 33 states with HIV reporting, 11,554 (61%) were black.
Its amazing that people still feel like they are invisible and that this disease only affects a select group of individuals. i read an article this morning that said washington dc has the highest AIDS victims in the united states and the lowest testing rates. go figure. pretty grim.
Grim isn’t the word…I would say frightening is what it is. I just pray that God will have mercy and send the cure for all infected…from the prostitute to the immature teen to the spouse with a cheating mate. It’s just sad.
Awesome post, BBG! It’s important for us all to be aware that this is still a growing issue all over the world and that we have to be safe and smart to protect ourselves.
Kudos again for bringing to the forefront!