Today is World AIDS Day, a day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic.
Eradicating AIDS is something that I am passionate about because African Americans are disproportionately affected by this deadly disease. The AIDS epidemic among African Americans in some parts of the United States is as severe as in parts of Africa.
Here are some startling facts about African Americans and HIV/AIDS:
- The HIV/AIDS infection rate among Black men is 6 times that of white men and the rate among Black women is 16 times that of white women
- AIDS now accounts for 1 in 3 deaths among Black men aged 25 to 44
- More children with AIDS are Black than all other race and ethnic groups combined
- Every day in the U.S. about 100 people of color become infected with HIV
- More than two-thirds of all women in the U.S. who are infected with the AIDS virus are Black
- Blacks represent 57% of all new AIDS cases in the United States, though comprising only 13% of the population
- AIDS is the leading cause of death for Black women
If you are an African American, or anyone else for that matter, and have not been tested for HIV, please do so.
The Black AIDS institute has a program designed to test 1 Million African Americans by June 27, 2010.
Also, visit these websites to learn more about the AIDS epidemic and what you can do to help:
Stay Strong,
Mocha Dad
Question: Do you know anyone who has been affected by HIV/AIDS?
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