HIV And AIDS: Rising Infection Rate In The Black Community

1616 Words7 Pages
Jatorin Jackson African American Studies Dr. Bridges April 2012, 29th Aids and HIV in the black Community HIV & AIDS: Rising Infection Rate in the African American Community.African Americans who live in low-income communities are more likely to engage in unprotected sexual activities than those who live in higher-income communities. When the epidemic finally reached noticeable proportions in the early 1980s, a disease that knows no gender, racial, or class boundaries has created a devastating impact on society. This disease has afflicted society in virtually epidemic proportions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, there are an estimated 1 million Americans infected with AIDS and 40,000-80,000…show more content…
Moreover, the level of prevention education may vary widely across communities. In some areas such as high-income and upscale communities, community-based efforts may be widespread across social, educational, and religious organizations. However, in other communities, such as low-income and crime ridden communities, STDs prevention education may not exist and possibly will never be a high priority. Even though some efforts I know are underway to increase AIDS prevention in both public and private sectors here in Columbus (billboards postings), but what about larger inner cities throughout the nation where more cases are noted (population density is no excuse). Yet, research has shown that some sectors (typically African Americans) are at very high risks and lack even basic information about STDs, HIV infection, and AIDS…show more content…
In 2006, Black women accounted for 61% of new HIV cases among women, but make up only 12% of US female population. The rate of HIV diagnoses for Black women is 15 times the rate for White women. Black women also have high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which can facilitate transmission of HIV. Among Black women in 2006, the rate of chlamydia was 7 times higher, gonorrhea 14 times higher, and syphilis 16 times higher than the rate among White women. These numbers and statistics, however, don’t show the richness and diversity of Black women’s lives. Black women can be White collar and working class, Christians and Muslims. They live in inner-city and suburban neighborhoods, are the descendants of slaves and recent Caribbean immigrants. They work, go to school, raise families, fall in love. HIV among Black women is not simply about individual behavior, but a complex system of social, cultural, economic, geographic, religious and political factors that combine to affect

More about HIV And AIDS: Rising Infection Rate In The Black Community

Open Document