A new analysis of CDC surveillance data from 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting shows HIV remains a persistent threat to the health and well-being of African Americans.
While Blacks represented 13 percent of the population in these states, they accounted for 51 percent of new HIV diagnoses between 2001 and 2005. Black men continued to bear the greatest burden, with a diagnosis rate in 2005 (127.6 per 100,000 population), nearly seven times higher than that of white men (18.5) and more than twice that of black women.
Men who have sex with men accounted for the majority (52 percent) of black male diagnoses. Black women also remained severely affected, with a rate (61.4) more than that of white women. Racial disparities were particularly pronounced among youth aged 13-24, with blacks accounting for 61 percent of diagnoses.
As the epidemic has grown, so have efforts by CDC and African American communities to combat it. To accelerate progress, CDC, together with its public health and African American community partners, is committing to and calling for a heightened, urgent and collaborative response on four critical pathways: expanding the reach of HIV prevention services; increasing opportunities for diagnoses and treatment; developing new, effective interventions; and mobilizing broader community action.
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