PR Newswire; Wednesday August 5, 3:35 pm EST

HIV/AIDS has grown dramatically in the African American community. In spite of increased availability of medical therapies in the fight against HIV disease, AIDS continues to be the leading cause of death for African American males between 15 and 35, and the leading cause of death for African American women during their reproductive years. Therefore, the National Medical Association declares war on HIV/AIDS.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, the growing epidemic of HIV continues to disproportionately affect African Americans. Although comprising only 12 percent of the U.S. population, African Americans accounted for 35 percent of cumulative AIDS cases with more than 55 percent of cases reported in women and 58 percent reported in children. The economic and social implications are profound -- particularly in this era of decreased social services and access to care.

As physicians, we know that early diagnosis and treatment correlate with improved survival. African Americans are more likely than whites to be treated for AIDS later in the disease process. Typically, Blacks receive treatment when an AIDS-related infection requires hospitalization. Significant numbers of African Americans an diagnosed with AIDS within one month of their death, or during autopsy. The health care system is failing the African American community at a time when studies support the critical importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Compounding the problem for African Americans is the presence of other medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis C and cardiovascular diseases. These existing medical conditions may adversely impact HIV therapies or contribute to problems with adherence and compliance with HIV/AIDS medications. Epidemiologic data reveal that Blacks over 50 have a higher incidence of AIDS than Blacks under 20. These data further compound the issue of coexisting therapeutic regimens.

HIV in the Black community has regional and national significance. Of concern, is the increased heterosexual HIV transmission in addition to other sexually transmitted diseases, particularly in the South. Further, the increasing numbers of incarcerated HIV-infected Blacks add to the challenge of managing the disease and its transmission.

NMA calls on President Clinton and Congress to allocate resources to address problems of access to care and prevention in the African American community. Further, we must reconsider policies that do not take advantage of all intervention strategies to reduce transmission as we move into the future.

SOURCE: National Medical Association

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