Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
**Judith Lightfoot, D.O., F.A.C.O.I. - February 14, 2007
AIDS has become a disease that hits African Americans with particular force. Recent data suggest that blacks comprise half of those living with HIV in the United States but only 13% of the country's population. We need to ask ourselves, as a community, why is this occurring?
In recent days, during the National Conference on African Americans and AIDS that took place in Philadelphia, we hoped to identify solutions to help our community to take action against HIV/AIDS. We must realize that as our population grows and diversifies, we too must change. If we are not proactive in adapting our strategies against the epidemic, ignorance, denial and fear will become a lethal combination.
Why are we African Americans so vulnerable to HIV/AIDS? Institutionalized disparities such as poverty, lack of medical insurance and access to health care, inadequate housing, the shockingly high rate of incarceration among African Americans and the substance abuse epidemic play a big role. Certain stereotypes and cultural beliefs within our own community also perpetuate the spread of HIV, including the misconception that the virus can only be transmitted by IV drug use, homosexuality or men on the down low, as opposed to heterosexual transmission.
The truth is that HIV is not color-blind. Nor does it discriminate based on where or how you grew up, how much money or education you have, or your age or community status. It affects all people from all walks of life: White and blue collar workers; educators and students; children and grandmothers; married couples and those living alternative lifestyles. Anyone can be at risk.
As a black woman, a physician and a human being, I am alarmed at the many African-American men, women and young people who come into my office oblivious to the very real threat of HIV infection. Even in 2007, too many African Americans have never been tested even though the CDC now recommends that all people between the ages of 13 and 64 be tested as part of their routine annual exams.
Today's HIV tests no longer require blood samples, provide results in minutes, and are usually free and available just about anywhere, no questions asked. Today's HIV treatments are also more convenient - and effective - than ever before. In fact, a 25-year-old who is diagnosed with HIV today and receives the proper drugs can expect to live for an average of 35 years or more.
HIV/AIDS is not a disease that anyone has to get and we have the power to stop its spread in our community. Everyone needs to know their HIV status and if they are negative take advantage of protective barriers, know the status of their partners, and ask questions - lots of them. If you are positive, there are services in your community that can help you, free of charge if you have no insurance. Insurance companies cannot discriminate against you for being HIV positive.
If you are reading this and you have not had an HIV test recently, take responsibility for yourself and learn your status. If you are sexually active - I don't care if you are married, gay, straight or bisexual - know your HIV status. This is a disease that could be attacking your immune system right now and you wouldn't even know it.
The time to act - to know - is now.
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** Printed with permission from the author.
Dr. Lightfoot is an infectious disease specialist at the Garden State Infectious Disease Associates in Voorhees, New Jersey, and head of the American College of Osteopathic Internists' Task Force on Minority Health and Cultural Competency. She was named one of the "Top Black Doctors" by The Network Journal, a resource for black professionals.
From February 12-13, Dr. Lightfoot was among the African-American medical and political leaders from around the country who gathered in Philadelphia for the 2007 National Conference on African Americans and AIDS. The conference -- part of a major national effort to increase awareness about the devastating impact of AIDS in Black America -- featured political leaders, as well as federal and state legislators and health care providers. It included delegates who called for more education, more awareness and better medical care for African Americans at risk for and living with HIV/AIDS.
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