HIV/AIDS: An American Problem

HIV/AIDS were once known as diagnoses associated with homosexuals. However, in recent years, the reference has morphed into a “black problem” irrespective of sexual orientation. This reference that has been made even by The Black AIDS Institute and accepted by some in the medical community, politicians, and other black leaders, is very dangerous.

It is no secret that HIV/AIDS greatly impact blacks in this country more than any other group. In fact, the HIV/AIDS epidemic among blacks in the U.S. has been compared to the pandemic in parts of Africa. The Centers for Disease Control reported that black women between the ages of 25 and 34 are dying of AIDS more than any other cause of death. It is the second leading cause among black women between the ages of 35 and 44. Blacks represent about 13 percent of the U.S. population, but disproportionately makeup about 47 percent of the HIV cases in the country. Moreover, a black person with HIV is 2.5 times more likely to die.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief currently spend $15 billion annually in sub-Saharan Africa to provide medical treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS. The U.S. is the world’s leader in monetary support. President Bush recently signed a bill to increase support to $48 billion in 2009. With an obvious epidemic that is inclusive of major disparities, why are tax payers’ dollars being spent in exponential amounts in other countries rather than fighting the problems more aggressively at home? Increasing spending is not a unilateral presidential decision as more than 300 members of the house voted for the increase compared to a little more than 100 who voted against.

It is known that approximately 42 million people around the world are living with HIV or AIDS. In this country alone, there are about 1.2 million people living with HIV and another 40,000 with AIDS. Strikingly, 40,000 new cases are diagnosed each year with 54 percent of those among blacks. Atop of all of those statistics, it is estimated that about 24-27 percent of the HIV cases in the United States are undiagnosed. In other words, people are living with this incurable infection and may be unconsciously spreading it to other sexual partners.

When we start to look at the severity of HIV/AIDS and how Americans (not just blacks) are impacted, then it begins to appear almost surreal. Personally, I have watched many television programs that talk about this problem on the domestic and international levels. I always find myself in sheer amazement. However, I have been most amazed that black organizations and leaders are labeling HIV/AIDS “A black problem.” How often does a problem specific to certain groups yield apathy? A good example is black-on-black crime; what changed after the label? Crime among blacks increased.

HIV/AIDS is NOT a black problem, rather an American problem. Although blacks are hardest hit, other groups, including 34 percent of whites and 19 percent of Hispanics are infected. We cannot succumb to labels when the problem is greater than black, white or other. We need an army united to fight an otherwise losing battle. Quite frankly, if the belief is that blacks, including those who are aware and unaware of their HIV status, are not commingling with whites and other groups, then the problem is greater than we know. © Keydron Guinn 2008