HIV/AIDS and the African-American Community 2018: a Decade Call to Action

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• African-Americans constitute 12% of the US population but account for nearly half of all reported HIV/AIDS cases.
• The disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on the African-American community persists since the initial reporting of the epidemic.
• A previous call to action in 2008 highlighted the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the prevalence and current trajectory of the HIV/AIDS epidemic within the African-American community.
• To compare the current epidemic's status to the situation observed in 2008.
• To advocate for increased attention and intervention from public health and medical sectors.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data on HIV/AIDS prevalence in the United States.
• Analysis of trends and disparities affecting the African-American population.
• Comparative analysis with historical data from 2008.

Main Results:

• The HIV/AIDS epidemic continues to disproportionately affect African-Americans.
• The health disparity gap in HIV/AIDS cases remains significant.
• The situation necessitates broader engagement from healthcare providers and community leaders.

Conclusions:

• The current state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African-American community is dire.
• Enhanced collaboration between public health, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders is crucial.
• An action plan is recommended to effectively reduce HIV/AIDS health disparities.