1 in 32 black women will be diagnosed with the disease
Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Memphis, Newark, New Orleans, Hyattsville, Md., and St. Louis are the cities where black women are contracting HIV in alarming rates. These cities are also going to be the first targets of the newly announced Take Charge. Take the Test. ad campaign encouraging women of color to get tested.
According to stats released by the Center for Disease Control late last year, an estimated 1 in 16 black men and 1 in 32 black women will be diagnosed with HIV infection. African American women are the fasting growing new cases of the disease and have been for years.
A White House statement released today explains the campaign's focus:
The campaign also aims to increase HIV testing and awareness among black women. HIV testing is the first critical step that black women, and everyone, can take towards protecting their health and the health of those they love. Yet far too many black women still don’t get tested – and many underestimate their risk. Studies show that some black women, even those who engage in high-risk behaviors, do not believe they’re at risk for HIV. To address these beliefs, campaign messages focus on educating black women that they can’t always know everything about their partner, therefore it is critical that they be vigilant about taking responsibility for their own health by protecting themselves and getting tested for HIV.
Why do you think black women are still at high-risk of contracting HIV/AIDS? #SpeakOnIt
Posted By: DAVID JOHNSON
Thursday, September 20th 2012 at 2:42AM
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