FACT SHEET HIV/AIDS POLICY -- its OUR problem!

Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic’s beginning, and that disparity has deepened over time.1,2 Blacks account for more new HIV infections, AIDS cases, people estimated to be living with HIV disease, and HIV-related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S.The epidemic has also had a disproportionate impact on Black women, youth, and gay and bisexual men, and its impact varies across the country. Moreover, Blacks with HIV/AIDS may face greater barriers to accessing care than their white counterparts. Today, there are approximately 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S, including more than 500,000 who are Black.5 Analysis of national household survey data found that 2% of Blacks in the U.S. were HIV positive, higher than any other group.

Women and Young People
• Black women account for the largest share of new HIV infections among women (61% in 2006) and the incidence rate among Black women is nearly 15 times the rate among white women.16
• Black women account for the majority of new AIDS cases among women (66% in 2007); white and Latina women account for 17% and 15% of new AIDS cases, respectively.1,13
• Black women represent more than a third (36%) of AIDS cases diagnosed among Blacks (Black men and women combined) in 2007; by comparison, white women represent 15% of AIDS cases diagnosed among whites in 2007.1,13
• Although Black teens (ages 13–19) represent only 15% of U.S. teenagers, they account for 68% of new AIDS cases reported among teens in 2007.17 A similar impact can be seen among Black children.

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